Homemade Hamburger Helper

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting, hearty dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious family-friendly dinner that beats the boxed version any day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made completely from scratch with real ingredients

• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor

• Cooks in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights

• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

• One-pot recipe for easy cleanup

• Versatile: you can add veggies or adjust the seasoning to taste

Ingredients

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

1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pound elbow macaroni
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (divided)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large Dutch oven, add the ground beef, seasoning salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

2. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir and bring to a boil.

3. Stir in the elbow macaroni and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Once pasta is cooked, stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top and let it melt. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix for different flavors.

• Add diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.

• Spice it up with red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

• Make it creamier by adding extra heavy cream or a little cream cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk before serving.

Can I freeze Homemade Hamburger Helper?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, shells, rotini, or penne also work well in this recipe.

Can I make this without cheese?

The cheese adds creaminess, but you can reduce or omit it if needed. Try adding a little cream cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy flavor alternative.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, though the sauce will be slightly less creamy.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

Yes, blended fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes can replace tomato sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Stir frequently while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use vegetable broth.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creates a creamier sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let the dish simmer for a few extra minutes uncovered, or stir in a little extra cheese to thicken it up.

Conclusion

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a cozy, one-pot dinner that’s simple, quick, and endlessly customizable. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and seasoned ground beef, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you make it as written or try one of the variations, this from-scratch version will outshine the boxed mix every time.

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