Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s quick, filling, and flavorful. Homemade Hamburger Helper is packed with protein and a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup easy, and it’s also customizable—add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your taste. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a busy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/4 cups beef broth, divided
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 6 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Brown the beef and onion: Heat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up the beef, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the liquids and cook the pasta: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the milk and uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Thicken the sauce: Mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup of beef broth in a small bowl. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Add the cheese and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes to thicken further before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable addition: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas to increase the vegetable content and boost the nutrition.
- Spicy option: Spice things up with hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Different cheese: Try using mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Ground turkey: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
2. Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, feel free to add more chili powder, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any small pasta such as penne or rotini.
4. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Hamburger Helper. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, use more cornstarch or cook the dish a bit longer to reduce the sauce.
7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach can be added at the same time as the pasta for extra nutrition.
8. How can I make the dish creamy without adding more cheese?
You can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce to make it extra creamy.
9. Can I use dairy-free cheese?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version of this dish.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate everything.
Conclusion
Homemade Hamburger Helper is the perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, comforting, and full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this childhood favorite in a much tastier and healthier way. The creamy, cheesy sauce, combined with the tender pasta and ground beef, is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you keep it classic or make your own variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Print
Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and satisfying one-pan meal, made with savory ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta. This easy-to-make dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare and is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
1 pound 80/20 ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/4 cups beef broth, divided
1 cup milk
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon cornstarch
6 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
-
Brown the beef and onion: Heat a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
-
Add the liquids and cook the pasta: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the milk and uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
-
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
-
Add the cheese and serve: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
Vegetable Additions: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas to increase the veggie content.
Spicy Option: For heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a new flavor profile.
Ground Turkey: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
