Bring the ultimate comfort food to your table with this homemade Hamburger Helper recipe. Featuring tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and a rich, creamy tomato-cheese sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a meal the whole family will love.
No boxed mix can compare to this homemade version, where fresh ingredients and customizable flavors take center stage. From the smoky paprika to the gooey melted cheddar, every bite bursts with hearty, satisfying goodness.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Small pasta shells or elbow pasta – The perfect base for soaking up the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Ground beef or ground turkey – Adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.
- Beef or chicken broth – Provides a flavorful liquid to cook the pasta and create the sauce.
- Tomato sauce – Lends a tangy, robust base to complement the cheese.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into creamy perfection, making the sauce irresistibly rich.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half – Adds luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- Spices (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder) – Elevate the dish with bold, aromatic flavors.
- Yellow onion and garlic – Build a fragrant, savory foundation.
Easy Steps to Make This Comfort Classic
- Cook the beef – Brown ground beef in a pan, then set aside while leaving some grease for flavor.
- Sauté aromatics – Soften onions and garlic to create a rich, fragrant base.
- Create the sauce – Stir in flour, broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
- Cook the pasta – Simmer the pasta directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors.
- Finish with cream and cheese – Stir in cream and cheddar until velvety smooth, then return the beef.
Tips for Perfect Hamburger Helper
For a gluten-free version, swap the pasta and flour for gluten-free alternatives. If you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper or a can of Hot Rotel. Prefer lighter fare? Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cream.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or milk. Don’t skip stirring the pasta while it cooks to ensure even texture.
Storing Leftovers with Ease
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating, add a touch of broth or cream to revive the creamy consistency. This dish reheats well in the microwave or on the stove for a quick next-day meal.
Enjoy this nostalgic favorite with a homemade twist!
Hamburger Helper Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta equivalent to half a standard 1lb box
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once cooked, set it aside, retaining 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and sauté the diced onion until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour, cooking it for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Incorporate the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Mix thoroughly, bring to a simmer, and cover with a lid. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If needed, add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth to prevent drying out.
- Pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted completely. Return the ground beef to the pan and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Double Batch: For larger families, double or triple the recipe using a deep pot or Dutch oven.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch in place of flour. Add extra broth and adjust cooking time for the pasta.
- Add Spice: For a spicier version, include crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Alternatively, stir in a can of Hot Rotel for a Tex-Mex twist.
