One Pot Hamburger Helper

This One Pot Hamburger Helper is pretty much the tastiest thing we’ve eaten all month. That’s saying a lot because what else is there to do during quarantine than eat, drink, and be merry?

This is quite possibly the creamiest pasta in the world. Bold statements being said this morning, but I only speak the truth.

Did you all eat Hamburger Helper as a kid? I always wanted to, but my mom would never buy it! I know it was all out of love, but man it sure looked delicious.

Now that i’m older, I can appreciate it more, but all the more reason to come up with my own, healthy-ish version of it.

This One Pot Hamburger Helper recipe is for anyone else out there that was deprived of the boxed Hamburger Helper as a child.

Let’s live. And for any and all MOM’s of course—this is a ONE POT meal (less mess), and whole family approved!

https://rstyle.me/+IpZMO8xtq7WaiXMNWsmn9A

I used my large All Clad Skillet because it’s absolutely perfect for one pot meals like this. Any meal that only dirties up ONE dish is like hallelujah! Hope you all love!!

One Pot Hamburger Helper

Other Pasta Recipes to Try!

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One Pot Hamburger Helper

One Pot Hamburger Helper
  • Author: Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x

Ingredients

  • 23 T olive oil 
  • 1/2 lb pasta of choice (about 810 oz)  I used Pennoni but cavatelli is delicious too if you want something smaller
  • 1 lb ground beef 
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced 
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced 
  • 8 oz tomato sauce 
  • 2 T tomato paste 
  • 3 c beef broth 
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder 
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder 
  • 1/4 tsp paprika 
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste 
  • 1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese *see notes
  • 1 c milk (I used 2%) *see notes
  • Chopped parsley, for serving, optional 
Scale

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  When hot, add ground beef and cook, breaking up with the back of your spoon until cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess grease. 
  2. Add onion and garlic, and cook another 2-3 minutes, until onion is translucent and garlic fragrant. 
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and spices. Then add pasta and give it a stir.  Make sure liquid is over the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until liquid has reduced and pasta is cooked. 
  4. Stir in milk and cheese until creamy. Simmer for 5-10 extra minutes if you want it to thicken up a little more.  Serve in bowls with chopped parsley. 
  5. ENJOY!!

Notes:

*If you want to make this dish Dairy Free and Whole 30 Approved- leave out the cheese and sub a non-dairy alternative instead of milk (Nutpods original works great)

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15 Comments

  • Reply
    Krysten@freshfitkitchen
    April 13, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    This was amazing and so easy! I’ll definitely be adding it to our weekly rotation!






  • Reply
    Hannah
    April 23, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    This was really good! Mine came out very soupy but I’m not sure why!






    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      April 24, 2020 at 10:37 am

      Did you bring it to a rolling boil then let it simmer for 15-20 mins? The liquid should have reduced down. Maybe you needed to add a little more pasta? Im sorry it came out soupy!!

  • Reply
    Whitney Steen
    April 25, 2020 at 8:23 am

    Obsessed with this dish … and so was the rest of my family!! We had the best time making together, thanks for making things so easy!!






  • Reply
    Natalie
    April 25, 2020 at 8:57 am

    So yummy and easy! My toddler loved it also!!






    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      April 25, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      Oh good!!! It really is the perfect meal for the entire family. Thank you for sharing.

  • Reply
    Cody Harris
    April 25, 2020 at 10:55 am

    Had this earlier this week and it was easy and amazing! Thanks Tips!






  • Reply
    Leigh Ann Fore
    April 26, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    Love this easy yummy recipe!!!!❤️






  • Reply
    Miranda
    April 26, 2020 at 10:57 pm

    A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! I used rice milk instead of regular milk and it still worked out good. Posted to my IG story so everyone can see and try it out for themselves. We loved it. Thank you for sharing






  • Reply
    Libby
    April 27, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    We are out of milk…so you think almond milk would work? Or butter?

    • Reply
      Lindsay Cola (Tippens)
      April 27, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      Is it unsweetened and unflavored? I bet it would be fine just fine if so! You could also leave the milk out all together if you wanted. Up to you!

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