Homemade Hamburger Helper
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a creamy, cheesy one-pan dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich sauce, it’s a comforting, budget-friendly meal that’s even better than the boxed version. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family!
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 lb ground beef lean or 80/20 for extra flavor
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk whole or 2%
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or short pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder optional, for heat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup peas spinach, or chopped bell peppers
- Pinch cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor.
Add Aromatics:
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
Build the Sauce:
- Add tomato paste, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the beef and let cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Add Liquids and Pasta:
- Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add uncooked pasta directly to the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy:
- Remove the lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Spoon into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and broth.
- Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 29gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 590mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
