🍳DailyRecipes
Dinner

Homemade Cheesy One Pot Hamburger Helper

This classic comfort food is creamy, cheesy, and made in just one pan for easy cleanup.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 20, 2026
Homemade Cheesy One Pot Hamburger Helper
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
4

There is something so satisfying about a bowl of creamy pasta with savory ground beef. This homemade version tastes much better than the boxed kind and you know exactly what is going into your dinner. It is a reliable family favorite that comes together in a flash on busy weeknights.

My top tip for this recipe is to make sure your pasta is just al dente before you add the cheese. This prevents it from getting too mushy while the sauce thickens up. If you like a little extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you season the beef.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and onion.

  2. 2

    Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, then drain any excess grease from the pan.

  3. 3

    Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for one minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Pour in the beef broth, milk, dry macaroni, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  5. 5

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid.

  6. 6

    Simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.

  7. 7

    Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth.

💡 Tips

Serve this warm with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add a small splash of milk when reheating to help bring back that creamy texture.

#Dinner#Comfort Food#One Pot#Beef#Pasta

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like