Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta is a simple homemade recipe that can be made in just a few simple steps. This kid-friendly ground beef recipe will be ready for the table in your own kitchen in no time.
Table of Contents
About Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta:-
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a great makeover for a comforting, cheesy, quick meal that can be made in just one pan.
This Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta is perfect for you.
Inspired by the iconic Hamburger Helper you all must have loved and eaten since childhood.
It is so easy to make at home that if you are ordering from outside, then definitely try it at home. You can add all the ingredients to it, which makes it an amazing version of cheesy, spicy and salty flavor. This is a very fresh and delicious clean recipe that you can make at home.
If you are looking to make something on a busy day or the kids are throwing tantrums or you are looking for some budget friendly meal prep then this homemade hamburger helper recipe is perfect for you all. Let’s know how to make it in less than 30 minutes, its complete process and ingredients and then let’s start making it.
Before making, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment so that you don’t forget anything while making and your Cheesy Skillet Beef recipe can be made properly.
Ingredients Serves 5-6 people
Ingredients Main Dishes:-
- 1 pound beef mince, 80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups milk, whole or 2% milk
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 garlic cloves minced
Optional garnishes:
- Fresh cheese, grated
- Crown parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper for spicy flavor
All Method:- Step by Step to Make Hamburger at Home:-
1. Cook the Beef
To make the cheesy skillet beef pasta, use a large skillet or sauté pan and cook the cheesy skillet beef pasta until smooth. Preheat the oven to medium-high heat.
Add the minced beef and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned. Be sure to use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat as you cook.
If you are using high-fat beef, drain off the excess fat.
Information: For low-fat beef, use minced turkey or chicken. To avoid dryness, add a tablespoon of olive oil and stir to combine.
2. Onion and Garlic
Add the beef to the pan and add the chopped onion and cook well for about 4 to 5 minutes.
When the onion is translucent, add the finely chopped garlic and saute for about 40 seconds until a wonderful aroma comes out.
This homemade flavor is a great addition to your dish that makes this Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta feel like homemade.
3. Masala Tomato Paste
Sprinkle tomato paste over beef and onion in pan and mix well. Then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt to taste and black pepper over all these ingredients.
Mix the spices well so that they are evenly coated and you have dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Information: – If you want to make it more spicy and tasty, add a little red pepper powder or a little hot sauce.
5. Adding the cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat.
Now add the grated cheddar cheese and mix well until it melts and becomes creamy.
The cheese makes a thick sauce and blends everything together, which is what you are waiting for for a comforting meal.
Information: – If you or your guests, friends, family like to eat a thicker sauce and flexible sauce, then add mozzarella or Monterey Jack to the cheese and mix well, which will create a great taste.
6. Adjusting the taste: –
Taste your recipe (Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta) and if needed, adjust the seasonings so that your taste can be more enhanced. You can add pepper, salt, mustard powder or hot sauce and mix it.
Serving
Take out the cheesy hamburger pasta in a bowl and then top the hamburger with fresh parsley for extra color and add paprika or crushed red pepper for spiciness. Sprinkle all these ingredients on top. After this you can serve it hot on your table for eating.
Variations:-
For a spicy kick-
Use chopped jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper in the beef recipe.
Use pepper jack cheese, do not use cheddar cheese.
Italian– Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and add mozzarella parmesan, do not use cheddar cheese.
For a veggie boost– When cooking on low flame, add spinach, chopped capsicum and peas in the last 5 minutes.
For a Mexican twist- Add taco seasoning and definitely use Mexican cheese blend. Top with avocado and salsa.
Creamy – Add 1/4 cup sour cream or 2 ounces cream cheese at the last minute for a creamy finishing touch.
Tips for storing Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta: –
In the refrigerator: –
If you have leftovers, use an airtight container and store it for 3 to 4 days.
When you want to use it, heat it in a microwave or stove by adding a little milk to get the creaminess.
In the freezer: –
Whenever you freeze the dish, cool it to room temperature first.
For long-term storage, use a freezer-safe container; you can store it for up to 2 months. And to reheat, thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature first.
Tips for preparing food: –
If you want to avoid hassles for the whole week, keep your lunches in separate containers.
Serving
Homemade hamburgers can be served as a simple side dish with:
- Green beans or steamed broccoli
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Roasted carrots
- Zucchini
- As a side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
Beverages:-
You can adjust the flavors to suit your needs with iced tea, sparkling water or a dash of soda.
Why you love Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta:-
- 30 minute dinner ready and perfect for a busy week.
- One pot cooking so less clean up.
- Kids love it because it’s meaty, cheesy and a comforting dish.
- You can customize it for family or friends and cover all dietary needs.
- It’s budget friendly and uses an affordable pantry staple.
Nutrition: –
- 450 to 500 kcal
- 35 g carbohydrates
- 25 g protein
- 25 g fat
- 4 g sugar
- 2 g fiber
Information: – If you want a lower calorie option, use ground turkey, low fat cheese and whole wheat pasta.
FAQ:–
Q. What is the best cheese?
For extra creaminess, try Colby, Monterey Jack, or Velveeta. Be careful not to use sharp chatter as it has a very strong flavor.
Q. How to make this gluten free?
Use gluten free pasta and make sure the broth and seasonings are certified gluten free.
Q. Can I use plant based meat?
Yes! Use your favorite plant based ground beef and non-dairy milk and cheese. Be careful not to use ground beef.
Q. How to make or double the recipe?
Use a couple more deep skillets or a microwave oven to avoid overflowing and you will be able to make delicious Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta with ease.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta is so delicious when made at home that you can skip the boxed pasta once you try homemade.
Cheesy Skillet Beef Pasta is a very easy to make recipe and can put together a great dinner table without compromising on taste or nutrition.
You use wholesome ingredients without any mystery powders so it’s a fun and quick weeknight meal and you can do a great job of preparing lunches during the week.
So skip that store bought box of Hamburger Helper and try this delicious homemade pasta dish because this is a great budget friendly yet comforting take on a classic.