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Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or Dutch oven. Add 1 pound of 85/15 ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (start light), 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 1/2 teaspoons of Slap Ya Mama seasoning, 1 teaspoon of roasted garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon of Badia Complete seasoning to the beef. Cook fully for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Remove the pan from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease completely from the browned beef. Return the beef to the pan.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the beef in the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until it melts and coats the beef. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce if you are using it.

Pour in 1 cup of beef broth (or pasta water) and 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes slightly thick but is still loose.

Stir in 1 pound of cooked pasta (elbow or shell) and combine it well with the sauce and beef, ensuring all the pasta is coated.

Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously after each addition until the cheese is smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated into the mixture.

Taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun Hamburger Helper.


Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pan or Dutch oven. Add 1 pound of 85/15 ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula. Add 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (start light), 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 2 1/2 teaspoons of Slap Ya Mama seasoning, 1 teaspoon of roasted garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon of Badia Complete seasoning to the beef. Cook fully for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.

Remove the pan from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease completely from the browned beef. Return the beef to the pan.

Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the beef in the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until it melts and coats the beef. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce if you are using it.

Pour in 1 cup of beef broth (or pasta water) and 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes slightly thick but is still loose.

Stir in 1 pound of cooked pasta (elbow or shell) and combine it well with the sauce and beef, ensuring all the pasta is coated.

Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese in small handfuls, stirring continuously after each addition until the cheese is smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated into the mixture.

Taste the dish and adjust the salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun Hamburger Helper.
