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Easy Cheesy One-Skillet Hamburger Helper Recipe for Quick Dinners

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A quick and comforting one-skillet meal featuring ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta (about 200g)
  • 3 cups beef broth (720ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or corn
  • Optional: dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
  5. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, mixing to distribute the flavors.
  6. Slowly pour in beef broth and milk while stirring. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Add uncooked elbow macaroni and stir. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using frozen peas or corn, stir them in now.
  9. Cover again and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy and cheesy.
  10. Give the dish a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen. If too runny, cook uncovered a few minutes to reduce liquid. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. Reheat leftovers gently on stovetop with milk or broth to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: one skillet, hamburger helper, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/easy-cheesy-one-skillet-hamburger-helper-recipe-for-quick-dinners/