One Pot Grown Up Hamburger Helper
A creamy one pot grown up Hamburger Helper made with ground beef, caramelized onions, broth, cream, pasta, and melted cheese. Cozy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup wine or 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar mixed with ⅓ cup water
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or tomato paste for a milder flavor
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves optional
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheeses a mix of cheddar and another melty cheese like gouda
- 1 pound pasta shape of choice
Instructions
- Add a little oil or butter to a large pot and cook the diced onion over medium heat until soft and lightly golden.
- Add the ground beef and cook until most of the pink is gone.
- Add the garlic and cook for about thirty seconds.
- Pour in the wine or the vinegar and water mixture and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the hot sauce or tomato paste, chili powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the dry pasta. Cover and cook twelve to fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick. Add a splash of liquid if it reduces too quickly.
- Remove the bay leaves. Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Rest the skillet for a couple minutes so the sauce thickens before serving.
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