Whip up this quick and extra cheesy homemade HamburgerHelper in 30 minutes or less, using only one pot! We've got tender pasta and savory ground beef coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a guaranteed family favorite that kids will absolutely love!
BEEF: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over high heat. Add ground beef and allow it to sear about 1 min per side. Break it apart and cook until it's browned all the way through.
SIMMER: Once the beef is fully cooked, add all the remaining ingredients except the cheese and cilantro. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. (You should see it bubbling at the edges.) Reduce the heat to medium and cover pot with a lid.
COOK: Allow the mixture to cook, covered, for 10-12 minutes. Stir a couple times to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be cooked to al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm. Don't worry if the dish is still saucy at this stage; it will continue to thicken.
ADD CHEESE: Keep the pot on the stovetop but turn off the heat. Stir the mixture well and gradually add the grated cheese, a handful at a time. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is absorbed into the pasta. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed.
ENJOY: If desired, sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
Note 1 - Chicken Broth: Depending on the broth's saltiness, you may need to adjust the added salt. Start with a little, taste, and add more if necessary. If using a low-sodium broth, consider adding an extra 1/4 tsp of salt for flavor.Note 2 - Pasta: For optimal results, choose elbow or a similarly shaped and sized pasta with the same recommended cook time on the package.Note 3 - Cheese: To prevent a greasy or clumpy texture, opt for freshly grated cheese. Sharp or extra sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, while mild/medium varieties may result in a less flavorful dish. Gently pack cheese into the measuring cup to get the accurate measurement.