Go Back
–+ servings
A spoonful of rich, cheesy Creamy Hamburger Skillet mixed with shell pasta and ground beef, lifted from a white bowl.

Creamy Hamburger Skillet

This recipe makes a simple, comforting meal using common pantry items. It combines ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb. Ground beef, 85% lean Season with salt and pepper
  • 1 Small yellow onion Diced, can substitute 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, can substitute ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Hot sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Mustard powder
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes Optional
  • 1 tablespoon Flour Optional, helps thicken the sauce
  • 1 cup Beef broth
  • 16 oz. Tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Cream cheese Softened
  • 1/2 cups Half and half
  • 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 pound Medium shell pasta
For Serving
  • As needed Fresh parsley To garnish
  • As needed Grated Parmesan cheese For serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Shred the cheese and measure out all ingredients before starting. Begin heating water for the pasta.
  2. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook and crumble it for 4 minutes. Add the onions and cook for 5 more minutes, or until the onions are softened and the beef is cooked through. Drain the grease.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add the hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, and flour. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Add the beef broth and use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the skillet.
  6. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and softened cream cheese. Let the sauce simmer while you boil the shells for 7 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. You can add a few teaspoons of salt to the boiling water if you choose.
  7. Decrease the heat to low. Stir in the half and half. Remove the skillet from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheese until it is well-combined.
  8. Add the drained pasta and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with garlic bread and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Preparing your ingredients before you start cooking helps the process move smoothly. Shredding the cheese yourself melts better than pre-shredded varieties.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!