Homemade Hamburger Helper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is nostalgic, flavorful, and so much better than the boxed version. It’s made with real, simple ingredients—no preservatives or mystery powders—and you can customize it to your liking. It’s quick enough for weeknights, uses just one skillet, and delivers that classic comfort food flavor you remember growing up.

Ingredients

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

• Ground beef
• Elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Beef broth
• Milk
• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Paprika
• Mustard powder or Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Directions

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat—it helps thicken the sauce.
4. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine.
5. Add uncooked pasta, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheeseburger flavor: Add ketchup, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of pickle relish for a tangy twist.
• Spicy version: Stir in a bit of chili powder or cayenne for heat.
• Creamy mushroom: Add sliced mushrooms and a splash of cream for richness.
• Different cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for new flavor profiles.
• Turkey or chicken version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What makes this better than boxed Hamburger Helper?

It’s made with real ingredients and no preservatives, giving it a fresher, richer flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work perfectly.

How can I make it extra creamy?

Add a bit of heavy cream or more cheese before serving.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Peas, carrots, or bell peppers blend in beautifully.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and flour, and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

What cheese melts best?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and texture, but any melty cheese works.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—it scales up easily and still cooks in one pan.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor—kids love it.

Can I add bacon for extra flavor?

Yes, crispy cooked bacon adds a smoky, delicious touch.

Conclusion

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a classic comfort food made better with real, wholesome ingredients. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying—all in one pan and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or just need an easy weeknight dinner, this homemade version delivers rich flavor and simple comfort every time.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

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Homemade Hamburger Helper is a rich, creamy, and cheesy one-pan pasta dish made from scratch with ground beef, real cheese, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a nostalgic comfort food favorite that’s quick, easy, and far better than the boxed version.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat—this will help thicken the sauce.
4. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring until well combined.
5. Add uncooked pasta, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.

Notes

• Add ketchup and pickle relish for a cheeseburger-inspired flavor.
• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or more cheese.
• Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
• Freezes well for up to 2 months; add milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 95mg