This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and ready in just 35 minutes! Forget the boxed stuff – this recipe features tender macaroni, flavorful ground beef, and a rich and cheesy sauce that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both budget-friendly and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tastes Better Than the Box: This homemade version is packed with flavor and made with fresh ingredients, so it tastes way better than anything from a box.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in a flash with just one pot to clean.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting and cheesy dish.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The base of the flavorful filling.
- Yellow onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Tomato paste and ketchup: Contribute sweetness and tanginess to the sauce.
- Garlic powder, chili powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
- Beef broth: Forms the base of the rich and savory sauce.
- Elbow macaroni: A classic pasta shape that’s perfect for this dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp cheesy flavor.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and crumbled, about 7 minutes. Spoon off and discard any excess fat.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 13-15 minutes.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated, about 30-45 seconds. Let stand for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use lean ground beef: For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Adjust the spice level: If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, chopped mushrooms, or frozen peas, to the pot along with the onions.
- Make it cheesy: Add more cheese to your liking or try a different variety, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
How to Serve
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are some ideas for serving it:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any small pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, or even small shells would all work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef and use a plant-based ground meat substitute or add more vegetables, such as lentils, black beans, or chopped mushrooms.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend would all be delicious substitutes.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Stir in the cheese before serving.
This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy preparation, cheesy sauce, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a new family favorite!
PrintHomemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and ready in 35 minutes! Ground beef, macaroni, and a rich, flavorful sauce come together in this one-pot dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 6 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Brown Beef and Onions: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion, and cook until beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Make Sauce: Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add macaroni, reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed (13-15 minutes).
- Stir in Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Serve: Let stand for 2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
- If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any small pasta shape.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- To make this dish ahead of time, cook the beef and macaroni separately, then combine with the sauce and cheese when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *