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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

17 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe is the ultimate comfort food made from scratch. Ground beef is seasoned and browned, then cooked down with butter, onion, garlic, tomato paste, and tomato sauce for a flavorful base. A creamy broth made from beef stock, milk, and heavy cream surrounds the pasta as it simmers to perfection. Cheddar and mozzarella cheese finish it off, creating a rich, creamy, cheesy coating that rivals the boxed version—only way better. Quick, easy, and made all in one pot, this dish is a nostalgic classic reinvented for today.

One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe
One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe
One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe
One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe
One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/5

One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

bowls
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

1
|
In a large pan over medium heat, add ground beef and break apart while cooking. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2
|
Once browned, remove beef and set aside. In the same pan, add butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
3
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Return cooked beef to the pan. Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce.
4
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Pour in beef broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir and re-season with the same spices.
5
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Add pasta and bring everything to a simmer. Ensure pasta is fully submerged—add more milk if needed.
6
|
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
7
|
Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
8
|
If sauce is too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add more cheese. Serve hot.
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My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
    Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking and ensure a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
  • Pasta Hydration Hack 💧
    Use a combination of beef broth and milk for maximum flavor absorption and to prevent the pasta from sticking or becoming dry during cooking.
  • Flavor Layering Technique 🥄
    Bloom the spices (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika) in butter before adding ground beef to intensify their aromatic compounds and develop deeper flavor.
  • Meat Browning Pro Tip 🍳
    Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning ground beef; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a proper golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
  • Cream Stability Secret 🥛
    Temper the heavy cream by adding a small amount of the hot liquid to it first, then slowly incorporate to prevent curdling and ensure a silky smooth sauce.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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