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Close-up of tender glossy elbow macaroni and browned ground beef crumbles in a thick orange-yellow sauce. (Homemade Hamburger Helper)

Homemade Hamburger Helper: The Ultimate Creamy Skillet Macaroni

A nostalgic, scratch-made Homemade Hamburger Helper featuring well-browned ground beef and tender elbow macaroni submerged in a velvety, vibrant orange-yellow cheddar cheese sauce. This one-pan dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 454g, lean
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni 225g, dry
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese 225g, freshly shredded
  • 2 cups Whole Milk 480ml
  • 1.5 cups Beef Broth 355ml
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour 15g
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika For vibrant orange color
  • 1 tbsp Dried Parsley Flakes For garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Dark Matte Skillet 12-inch cast iron or enameled
  • 1 Wooden spoon Used for browning beef

Method
 

Brown the Beef
  1. In a dark matte skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon until well-browned and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, broth, and spices. Bring to a gentle simmer until slightly bubbling.
Cook Pasta
  1. Add dry elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender and glossy.
Final Assembly
  1. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until a thick, velvety sauce forms. Garnish with dried parsley flakes.

Notes

Always shred cheese from a block for a smooth, velvety texture.
Adjust paprika levels to reach your desired vibrancy of orange-yellow color.