Quick and Easy hamburger helper homemade

Looking for a comforting, easy dinner that’ll quickly become a staple in your weekly meal rotation? This creamy beef and pasta shells recipe is a winner. Made with simple, everyday ingredients like ground beef, pasta shells, tomato soup, cheese, and seasonings, this dish may sound basic, but when it all comes together, it’s absolutely irresistible. Think of it as a homemade version of Hamburger Helper—perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget or when you’re short on time. This creamy, savory meal will hit the spot every time!

This recipe is made in a large skillet, so it’s a one-pan wonder that feeds 8. The leftovers? They disappear fast, especially for lunch. The kids love reheating this creamy dish for a quick and easy meal, and it’s a total lifesaver on busy days.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 1/2 box) of pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• ¾ cup diced onion (about half a medium onion) – In a rush? Grab some frozen diced onion from the store!
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup water
• 2 cans Campbell’s tomato soup (the classic kind!)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta shells according to the package directions, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
3. In a large skillet, sauté the diced onions in olive oil until they’re translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in the tomato soup and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add the drained ground beef and the cooked pasta shells. Stir in the heavy cream and cook over medium heat until everything is combined.
7. Once it’s all heated through, add the shredded cheeses and stir until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve this creamy, cheesy goodness right away and enjoy!