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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pot recipe that recreates the comforting cheesy, meaty goodness of Hamburger Helper using simple, wholesome ingredients without preservatives.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 8 oz (225 g) medium egg noodles
  • 3 cups (720 ml) low sodium beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until no pink remains and beef starts to brown. Season with salt and pepper halfway through. Drain excess fat if more than 2 tbsp.
  2. Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to coat the beef evenly and let spices toast for about a minute.
  3. Slowly add beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in egg noodles, making sure they are submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Noodles should absorb most broth but remain tender.
  4. Remove lid and lower heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until cheese melts fully and sauce is creamy and smooth.
  5. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. Serve hot, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions.

Notes

Drain excess fat if more than 2 tbsp after browning beef to avoid greasy dish. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best meltability. Soften cream cheese before adding to avoid lumps. Stir noodles occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. For gluten-free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and coconut cream. Adding frozen peas or corn after cheese step adds sweetness and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, hamburger helper, copycat, cheesy, quick dinner, ground beef, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-hamburger-helper-copycat-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/