Homemade Hamburger Helper Pasta (Print Version)

Cheesy ground beef pasta with tomato, herbs, and a creamy finish for a satisfying meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Meat and Protein

01 - 450 g ground beef

→ Aromatics and Vegetables

02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 80 g onion, diced
04 - 80 g red bell pepper, diced

→ Liquids

05 - 480 ml beef broth
06 - 227 g tomato sauce
07 - 120 ml heavy cream

→ Dry Goods

08 - 8 g all-purpose flour
09 - 225 g pasta (such as farfalle)

→ Spices and Seasonings

10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 0.5 tsp dried basil
12 - 1 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1 tsp onion powder
14 - 1 tsp salt
15 - 0.25 tsp black pepper

→ Cheeses

16 - 170 g shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 115 g processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a large skillet with lid over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until fully browned. Remove beef from pan, reserving 2 tablespoons of rendered fat.
02 - Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet with reserved fat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
05 - Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits, and bring to a boil.
06 - Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Add pasta and stir to combine.
07 - Cover skillet with lid and cook for 12–15 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. Add additional beef broth as needed to prevent sticking.
08 - Pour in heavy cream, then add shredded cheddar and cubed processed cheese. Stir until cheeses are fully incorporated and sauce is creamy.
09 - Return cooked ground beef to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring gently, then serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For best texture, use a pasta shape that retains sauce well, such as farfalle or rotini.
02 - Allow cheeses to fully melt for a smooth, velvety sauce.

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