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Creamy Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Meal

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A quick and easy homemade version of the classic creamy hamburger helper, featuring ground beef, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce that delivers nostalgic comfort without preservatives.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean or regular ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 200g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains and meat is browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Stir in butter until melted. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef and mix well.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until flour is fully absorbed and golden.
  4. Gradually pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to submerge pasta in the liquid.
  6. Cover skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce thickened.
  7. Remove lid and stir in softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Browning beef properly adds flavor. Stir constantly when making roux to avoid lumps. Cook pasta gently to avoid scorching and mushiness. Cream cheese gives a silky texture; sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy hamburger helper, copycat recipe, comfort food, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, homemade hamburger helper

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