Name: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other short pasta); 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon); 1 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or ketchup); 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is made with real ingredients you can feel good about. It’s just as fast and convenient as the boxed version but tastes infinitely better. You’ll love the creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and the fact that it’s a one-pan meal with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different seasonings, proteins, or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
Beef broth or water with bouillon
Milk
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Tomato paste or ketchup
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Olive oil or butter (for cooking)

Directions

Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to develop the flavors.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Add cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cheeseburger Helper: Add a tablespoon of mustard and a splash of ketchup for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
Taco-style: Mix in taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese for a Tex-Mex spin.
Hidden veggies: Stir in finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition.
Spicy kick: Add chili powder, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to heat things up.
Different meats: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Avoid freezing, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like shells, penne, or rotini will work. Adjust cook time as needed.

What can I use instead of tomato paste?

Ketchup or a small amount of tomato sauce can be used as a substitute.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely. These leaner options work well and reduce the fat content.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a splash of heavy cream or more cheese for extra richness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure to use a large enough skillet and adjust cook time slightly.

Is it spicy?

Not unless you add heat. Feel free to season to your spice preference.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from getting too soft when reheated.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or American cheese for variety.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No, it cooks right in the skillet with the sauce, making cleanup easier and flavor better.

Conclusion

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that brings the nostalgia of the boxed version with the flavor and quality of home cooking. It’s fast, flexible, and always hits the spot. Once you try this easy, cheesy dinner, you may never go back to the box again.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

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Homemade Hamburger Helper is a one-skillet meal combining ground beef, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting, quick, and family-friendly dinner that tastes better than the boxed version—made with real, wholesome ingredients.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Adjust seasoning to taste, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Use rotini, shells, or penne if elbow macaroni isn’t available—adjust cook time accordingly.
Ketchup can substitute for tomato paste in a pinch.
For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or more cheese.
To lighten it up, use ground turkey or chicken and low-fat cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg