Creamy Skillet Beef Pasta

Creamy Skillet Beef Pasta in a white bowl on marble with cheddar, parsley, and onion in background — Homemade Creamy Skillet Beef Pasta with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and cheddar cheese served in a white bowl on marble

Creamy Skillet Beef Pasta is the ultimate homemade comfort food, blending tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a luxuriously cheesy sauce. Unlike the boxed version, this one-pot recipe is made completely from scratch, giving you rich flavor, real ingredients, and an irresistibly creamy texture. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is quick to prepare yet hearty enough to satisfy the entire family.

What makes this recipe so loved is its balance of flavors: smoky paprika, a touch of Dijon, and layers of sharp cheddar and Parmesan that melt beautifully into the sauce. As everything simmers together in one skillet, the pasta soaks up all that savory goodness, ensuring every bite is rich and comforting.

Interestingly, Hamburger Helper was first introduced in the early 1970s as a budget-friendly meal solution, but nothing beats making it fresh at home. With this homemade version, you’ll capture that nostalgic feel while elevating the flavors for today’s table.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Brown the beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add aromatics:
Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

3. Build the base:
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

4. Create the sauce:
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, followed by milk and cream. Stir in tomato paste, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until combined.

5. Cook the pasta:
Add the uncooked macaroni directly into the sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

6. Finish with cheese:
Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm for a cozy, homemade comfort meal.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can prevent smooth melting, so grating your own makes the sauce creamier.
Simmer Gently: Keep the pasta simmering, not boiling hard, to avoid burning and to let the sauce thicken slowly.
Customize the Flavor: Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack, or add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

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