Can I use whole wheat pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works beautifully in this recipe, though it may require a slightly longer cooking time and potentially a bit more liquid. The nutty flavor of whole wheat pasta adds another dimension to the dish while boosting the fiber content.

Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?

Sauce consistency can vary based on your stovetop's heat intensity and the exact pasta you use. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. If too thick, add a splash more broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (though the sauce won't be quite as rich). Use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, or simply omit the cheese and increase the seasonings slightly to compensate for flavor.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to taste it! The pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness—what Italians call "al dente." Different pasta shapes and brands may have varying cooking times, so start checking a few minutes before the recipe suggests. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce even after you remove it from the heat.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Description

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, one-pot meal featuring tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy tomato-based sauce. This comfort food classic is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

- 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced

Seasonings and Spices

- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids and Sauces

- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, or half and half

Pasta and Cheese

8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta (8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta.)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Cook the ground beef: In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove the cooked ground beef from the pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the pan. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes, adding the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds of cooking.
Create the base: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring to cook for about 1 minute. Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add seasonings and pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and the pasta. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If the noodles are not fully cooked and you run out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth as needed.
Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
Reheat the ground beef and serve: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pan, stirring to incorporate. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the beef. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Since the noodles will soak up the broth once stored, this cheeseburger macaroni recipe is best served fresh. However, leftovers are still tasty for lunch the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth and/or heavy cream to restore its creaminess.
Make Double: Feeding a crowd or large family? Use a large deep-sided pot (like a Dutch oven) to double or triple this recipe.
Gluten Free: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch. Gluten-free pasta might need a little longer cooking time and extra broth. Whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in at the final step before thickening.
Spicy: For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, make a Tex-Mex version by stirring in a can of spicy Hot Rotel.