Homemade Hamburger Helper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce makes every bite a delicious experience. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal meal for busy nights. Whether you're cooking for a family or just looking for a quick dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes!

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey

• 1 large yellow onion, diced

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta (Note: 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta)

• ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Directions

1. In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

2. Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring and bring to a boil.

4. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally, and if the liquid begins to run low, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of broth as needed.

5. Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

6. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the beef.

7. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious homemade hamburger helper!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch. If using gluten-free pasta, add extra broth and cook the pasta longer. To thicken the sauce, whisk 2 teaspoons of cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet before simmering.

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat or cayenne pepper for a bolder kick. For a Tex-Mex twist, try adding a can of Hot Rotel for some extra flavor and spice.

• Make it a Double: Feeding a larger crowd? You can easily double or triple the recipe. Just use a large pot, like a Dutch oven, to make more servings.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Since the noodles absorb the broth over time, it’s best to serve this recipe fresh. However, leftovers can still be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of broth or heavy cream to bring back the creamy texture. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.

FAQs

How can I make Homemade Hamburger Helper without beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. The flavor will still be delicious, but it will be a bit lighter.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use any small pasta you prefer, like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure the cooking time is adjusted based on the pasta you use.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy cream substitute, like coconut cream or almond milk, to keep the dish creamy.

Can I freeze leftovers?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat on the stove or microwave.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy?

To avoid overcooking the pasta, stir occasionally and check the texture towards the end of the cook time. If it’s tender and the liquid is absorbed, it’s ready to go.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can stir in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms when cooking the onions for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

This recipe is best made on the stovetop to ensure the pasta cooks perfectly. However, you can brown the meat and sauté the onions ahead of time, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or stir in some chopped jalapeños. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

What can I serve with this dish?

This creamy Hamburger Helper pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for an extra comforting meal.

Can I use store-bought sauce instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, you can use marinara sauce or pizza sauce as an alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly from the traditional tomato sauce.

Conclusion

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is everything you want in a quick, delicious, and comforting meal. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're looking for a simple family dinner or a flavorful weeknight meal, this one-pot recipe has got you covered! Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade twist on the classic boxed version.

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This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, comforting dish with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it's a one-pot meal everyone will love.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey

1 large yellow onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon seasoned salt

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta

½ cup heavy cream, or half and half

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring and bring to a boil.
4. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally, and if the liquid begins to run low, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of broth as needed.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat the beef.
7. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious homemade hamburger helper!

Notes

• If using gluten-free pasta, add extra broth and cook the pasta longer. Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.
• For a spicy version, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• This recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger crowds.
• For dairy-free, substitute dairy-free cheese and use non-dairy cream like coconut cream.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing leftovers is possible for up to 3 months, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg