1-First, gather all ingredients and equipment to streamline the process. In a large soup pot, cook the 1 pound lean ground beef and 1/2 medium chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef browns, about 7 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks and draining excess fat if needed. This step builds the base flavor for your homemade hamburger helper, making it rich and savory.

2-Next, stir in 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder until well combined. Then, add 3 cups beef broth and bring it to a boil over high heat for that perfect simmer. Once boiling, mix in 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium, and cook uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

3-Finishing Touches: While the pasta cooks, grate 2 cups fresh cheddar cheese to ensure the best texture. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the cheese until it melts and the dish is creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a few minutes to let flavors meld, resulting in a satisfying homemade beef helper that’s ready to serve.