Homemade Hamburger Helper (Creamy, Cheesy & One-Pot!)

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is the ultimate weeknight dinner — quick, satisfying, and made in one pot. Loaded with savory ground beef, tender pasta shells, bold spices, and sharp cheddar cheese, it’s everything you love about the classic boxed version but with richer flavor and real ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the kind of hearty comfort food that makes everyone come back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound pasta shells
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grate
  

  Instructions