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Dinner

Creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper

A nostalgic and comforting pasta dinner that is much better than anything from a box.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 15, 2026
Creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so satisfying about a big bowl of cheesy pasta and ground beef. This version tastes just like the classic favorite we all grew up with, but using fresh ingredients makes it so much more delicious.

My best tip for this recipe is to keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks. You want it to be perfectly tender but not mushy, so taste a piece right before you add the cheese to make sure it is ready.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups dry macaroni pasta
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. 1

    Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is fully cooked.

  2. 2

    Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.

  3. 3

    Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

  4. 4

    Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper until the beef is evenly coated.

  5. 5

    Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add the dry macaroni pasta.

  6. 6

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat to low and cover the pan.

  7. 7

    Simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

  8. 8

    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it is melted and creamy.

  9. 9

    Serve warm directly from the skillet.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can stir in a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy texture if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.

#pasta#beef#comfort food#easy dinner#homemade

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