One Pot Cheesy Hamburger Helper Dupe

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.

Author: These Carbs Don't Count

Meal Type: Peanuts Free

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: MEDIUM

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 3 bowls

Calories: 1,111 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ lb - ground beef
Salt
Black pepper
½ tsp - garlic powder
½ tsp - onion powder
½ tsp - paprika
2 tablespoons - butter
3 cloves - garlic
½ - onion
3 tablespoons - tomato paste
½ cup - tomato sauce
1 cup - beef broth
1 cup - milk
1 cup - heavy cream
½ lb - pasta
1 cup - shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup - shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

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.
Once browned, remove beef and set aside. In the same pan, add butter and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
Return cooked beef to the pan. Stir in tomato paste and tomato sauce.
Pour in beef broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir and re-season with the same spices.
Add pasta and bring everything to a simmer. Ensure pasta is fully submerged—add more milk if needed.
Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
If sauce is too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add more cheese. Serve hot.

Nutrition