Homemade Hamburger Helper
This easy homemade hamburger helper recipe is savory, cheesy, and even better than the original! Combined in one pan, it’s ready in 30 minutes and provides an excellent source of protein and carbs with hidden veggies, too.
Looking for more comforting ground beef recipes? Try our Mexican cornbread casserole and easy cheeseburger soup, too.
I have a confession. While I make all kinds of recipes from scratch, my kids sometimes request boxed Hamburger Helper. Or, at least they used to until I started making it myself!
Our recipe has all the cheesy, savory flavors you know and love, but is made with just a handful of simple, real food ingredients. No powdered cheese in sight! Serve it as is, or make it your own. Either way, we know your whole family is going to love it.
Ingredients and Notes
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Beef – We prefer to use lean ground beef at least 80% or leaner. Or, for a lighter option, use ground turkey or even ground chicken instead.
- Onions and Garlic – These sneak in nutrients and create a savory, pungent flavor base.
- Tomato Paste – This forms the base of the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a delicious, savory, smoky taste.
- Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the savory flavor and add a touch of herbaceousness that lightens the dish slightly.
- Broth – Beef broth is best for classic Hamburger Helper. We recommend low-sodium varieties so you have better control over the flavor.
- Milk – This creates the thick, creamy sauce. Whole milk will create the thickest consistency and richest taste, but any percentage will work. Or, substitute dairy-free milk, if needed.
- Pasta – To keep this recipe traditional, we use elbow macaroni, but any small or medium shape will work. Substitute gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese is key to the classic flavor! For the best taste and meltiest consistency, buy a block of cheddar and grate it yourself.
Possible Variations
- Heat – Add a dash of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce if you love a bit of heat.
- Cheese – Switch up the flavor by replacing the cheddar or adding to it. Monterrey and pepper jack make tasty additions.
- Veggies – Sneak in extra nutrients by including sautéed peppers or mushrooms, or stirring in spinach just before serving.
How to Make a One-Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Sauté. Add the meat, onions, and garlic to a large sauté pan or pot over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it is browned and the onion is translucent.
2. Combine. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings, and cook until fragrant.
3. Cook the pasta. Stir in the liquids and noodles, bring the liquid to a boil, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
4. Cheese. Then, stir in the cheese, allowing it to melt completely.
Common Questions
We typically serve this dish with a veggie side dish for a well-rounded meal. Our pizza salad, meal prep Greek mason jar salad, and roasted broccoli are all great options.
We don’t recommend it! The pasta and cheese don’t thaw well, becoming mushy and grainy when reheated.
More Family-Friendly Comfort Food Recipes
Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or 1-2 cloves, minced
- 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a 10” or 12” saute pan over medium-high heat, add the meat, onions and garlic and cook until meat is browned and the onion is translucent.1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian Seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly until combined, about 1 minute.3 Tablespoons tomato paste, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Add the beef broth, milk and noodles and gently mix. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once at a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente/softened but with a “bite” to it, or 10 to 12 minutes. There will still be some liquid in the pan, this is okay!2 cups beef broth, 1 cup milk, 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until incorporated. Adjust seasonings as needed and allow the recipe to rest for at least 10 minutes to thicken before serving.1 1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did you enjoy this Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe? We’d love it if you left a rating and review to let us know, and don’t forget to tag us in your recreations on Instagram!
Move over Hamburger Helper box this homemade version has so much more flavor! This is our family’s newest favorite dinner.