Hamburger Helper
Say goodbye to bland boxed dinners and hello to this creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed Taco Hamburger Helper with Cavatappi pasta. This one-pan meal is quick, budget-friendly, and loaded with taco-seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese. It’s the grown-up version of the classic — and it tastes even better.
Servings: 4 people
Equipment
- Large Nonstick Skillet or Stainless Steel Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups/Spoons
- Lid (for simmering)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 8 oz cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant and caramelized. This builds your flavor base.
Step 2 – Brown the Beef
- Add ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3 – Add Seasoning and Liquids
- Sprinkle in all the taco seasoning spices and mix to fully coat the beef.
- Pour in the beef broth and milk.
- Stir well to combine, then add the uncooked cavatappi pasta.
Step 4 – Simmer to Perfection
- Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- The pasta should be al dente and the sauce thickened.
Step 5 – Add the Cheese
- Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- The sauce should coat every curl of pasta with cheesy taco goodness.
Notes
Pro Tips for Taco Pasta Success
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
- Make it spicy: Add more cayenne or a spoon of chipotles in adobo.
- Use short pasta: Cavatappi is perfect for holding sauce, but elbow macaroni or shells work too.
- Don’t skip the tomato paste: It adds umami depth and richness to the dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 918kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 61g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 976mg | Potassium: 753mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2115IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 385mg | Iron: 5mg
