Hey y’all! Craving a cozy, nostalgic dinner that tastes even better than the classic boxed favorite? This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a one-pan comfort food fix. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just one pan—less mess, more flavor!
- No processed ingredients, only fresh, wholesome foods.
- Loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Kid-approved and adult-adored, perfect for picky eaters.
- Versatile recipe—add or swap veggies, spice it up, or go gluten-free.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
- 2 cups (about 8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
How to Make This Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-6 minutes).
- Mix in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings
- Stir in beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, paprika, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook Pasta
- Add elbow macaroni, stirring to combine.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (about 12-14 minutes).
Step 4: Finish With Cheese
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy (for extra cheesiness, add up to 2 ½ cups).
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve hot!
Notes for Making Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of milk (ingredient substitutions).
- Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.
- If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up—learn about thickening techniques here.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for plant-based crumbles and use veggie broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mexican Style: Use taco seasoning, add corn and black beans, and top with jalapenos.
Equipment Needed for Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk.
- Not recommended for freezing, as pasta can become mushy.
Suggested Pairings & How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or sauteed zucchini.
- Try with a glass of chilled iced tea or homemade lemonade.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Use sharp cheddar for optimal cheesy flavor and melting power.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving—this thickens the sauce.
- Read up on nutrient-dense ground beef choices at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe FAQ
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep in advance and reheat with a splash of milk for best texture.
- Can I substitute the cheese?
- Yes, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
- Is this gluten-free?
- Not as written, but simply swap for gluten-free pasta and ensure broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
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2Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
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3Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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4Add uncooked macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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5Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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