Homemade Hamburger Helper (One-Pot)

• servings: 5 servings
• active time: 5 minutes
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, small diced

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 pound lean ground beef

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups low-sodium beef broth

1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)

2 cups dry elbow macaroni

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Brown the Onion and Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until just beginning to soften.

Add the beef and ¼ teaspoon of salt, breaking into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently. Drain any excess fat.

Season: Add the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and pepper and stir to coat the beef evenly.

Add the Liquids: Pour in the beef broth and milk or half-and-half and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add the Pasta: Add the dry elbow macaroni and stir to submerge. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a steady simmer.

Cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Add the Cheese: Remove from heat. Add the shredded cheddar in two additions, stirring between each until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 (of 5)
• Calories: 491 kcal
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 768 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 6 g
• Protein: 36 g