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Creamy Hamburger Helper with Cheddar and Tomatoes Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

This Hamburger Helper recipe is a quick and satisfying one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings comforting flavors with simple pantry ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7)
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 2-1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups elbow pasta (9 ounces)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (6.6 ounces)

Optional Garnish

  • Finely chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the ground beef and allow it to sear for about 1 minute per side. Break the beef apart with a spatula and continue cooking until it is browned all the way through.
  2. Simmer Ingredients: Once the beef is fully cooked, add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground mustard, pepper, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and elbow pasta to the pot. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a simmer, indicated by gentle bubbling at the edges. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot with a lid.
  3. Cook Pasta: Let the mixture cook covered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. The pasta should be al dente, meaning it is still slightly firm. The sauce may still be a bit saucy, but it will continue to thicken later.
  4. Add Cheese: Turn off the heat but keep the pot on the stovetop. Gradually add the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese in handfuls, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and absorbed into the sauce and pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  5. Serve and Garnish: If desired, sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (93/7) for less fat and a healthier dish.
  • Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a different flavor or dietary preference.
  • Elbow pasta is used for best texture and sauce absorption, but other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne will work as well.
  • Adding cilantro is optional but adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the dish to sit with the lid off for a few minutes after cooking.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/creamy-hamburger-helper-with-cheddar-and-tomatoes-recipe/