fbpx Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Healthy Hamburger Helper served with a fresh garden salad.

Homemade Hamburger Helper


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 15 reviews

Description

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a warm and inviting comfort food. This convenient taco pasta is an American classic. It’s a favorite one-pot meal! Get dinner on the table fast with this easy cheeseburger casserole.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion (about 1 cup chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 8ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 1/4 cups Cellentani pasta (or elbow macaroni)
  • 34 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Garnish: fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Saute these fresh ingredients for one minute.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break up the meat as it cooks. Once there’s no more pink, drain off the fat.
  3. Sprinkle in cornstarch, sugar and spices. Stir to incorporate. Add beef broth, tomato sauce and pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and thickens as desired. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
  4. Turn off the heat. Fold in sour cream and shredded cheese. Briefly cover skillet with a lid until the cheese melts. Sprinkle the top of this one-pot meal with chopped Italian parsley.

Notes

Prevent a greasy texture: After cooking the beef, drain off the fat. This is also an easy way to make one-pot meals healthier.

For a crunchy texture: Sprinkle homemade breadcrumbs or Parmesan over the top. Slide your oven-safe skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

Try new flavor combinations: Add a teaspoon of dried basil or Italian seasoning. Ramp up the heat with a sprinkling of chipotle pepper. Stir in some fire-roasted green chiles.

  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American