Description
A simple and delicious homemade version of the classic one-pot pasta dish, featuring ground beef and pasta in a creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute other pasta shapes for elbow macaroni.
- Add frozen peas or corn in the last 5 minutes of cooking for added vegetables.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one pot, hamburger helper, pasta, ground beef, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food