Why We Love This Recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper
Discover a homemade Hamburger Helper that surpasses any store-bought version with its vibrant flavors and luscious texture. My partner, Jorge, and I cherish memories of this dish as a staple during our early marriage. We soon realized that preparing this easy homemade hamburger helper from scratch elevated its taste significantly, a practice we’ve maintained ever since! Here’s why this straightforward recipe will become a cherished favorite for you as well:
- Unbelievably Creamy: What truly distinguishes this Hamburger Helper recipe is its rich, homemade cheese sauce, crafted from heavy cream and genuine cheddar, ensuring an unparalleled smoothness.
- Effortlessly Fast: Mirroring the convenience of its boxed counterpart, this entire meal comes together in a single skillet, prepared and ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes. Celebrate minimal washing up!
- Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common pantry staples and affordable components, this recipe helps keep your grocery expenses low.
- Satisfyingly Wholesome: This is the kind of superb dinner that inevitably prompts requests for second servings. Our children consistently compete for the very last portion!
Reader Review of the Week
“Currently savoring a serving of this, and it is absolutely phenomenal! Its speed and simplicity are definite bonuses. The smoked paprika truly elevates the flavor, delivering the experience I always hoped for from the packaged meal.” – Jourdan
Homemade Hamburger Helper ⭐️Test Kitchen Approved!⭐️
Crafted in just 30 minutes using a single pot, this effortlessly prepared and incredibly cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper is destined to become a beloved meal for your household! Each mouthwatering forkful presents tender pasta and flavorful ground beef enveloped in a luxurious, velvety tomato and cheese sauce.
Prep Time5minutes minutes
Cook Time25minutes minutes
Total Time30minutes minutes
Main Ingredients
The following key ingredients are essential for crafting this delightful homemade Hamburger Helper. For a complete list of all ingredients and their precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page!
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef is my preference, but feel free to substitute with other ground meats such as turkey or chicken. For another fantastic ground beef recipe, consider our easy one-pan ground beef and rice with cheese. Should you opt for a higher fat content, remember to drain any excess grease.
- All-Purpose Flour: For those seeking a gluten-free alternative, detailed guidance can be found in the “Chef’s Tips and Variations” section further down.
- Small Pasta Shells: Elbow macaroni is another excellent choice for this recipe. To achieve the perfect pasta-to-sauce balance, select a small, bite-sized pasta shape.
- Heavy cream will make the creamiest results, but you can also use half and half or even evaporated milk.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I highly recommend grating your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties. Bagged cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can cause the sauce to become overly thick. If using pre-shredded, you may need to incorporate a little extra cream or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- ○ 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
- ○ 1 large yellow onion, diced
- ○ 1 garlic clove, minced
- ○ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ○ 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
- ○ 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ○ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ○ 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ○ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ○ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ○ 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta (Keep in mind 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta.)
- ○ ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half
- ○ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ○ salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Your Own Hamburger Helper
Crafting this homemade rendition is remarkably simple and involves just a few straightforward stages. Ensure all your ingredients are prepped and at hand, as this meal comes together very quickly. Below is a brief summary of the preparation process. For comprehensive, step-by-step instructions and an accompanying video, please consult the complete recipe card found at the end of this article.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly in a large skillet. Remove the beef and set aside, retaining a small amount of rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the diced onion in the reserved pan drippings until softened, then add minced garlic for the final seconds.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking briefly. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Introduce the tomato sauce, all seasonings, and the pasta, mixing well. Cover and simmer until the pasta is perfectly tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Return the browned ground beef to the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve this delectable dish without delay!
- In a spacious sauté pan equipped with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. For another delicious and quick weeknight meal with ground beef, try our easy BBQ tortilla wrap burger recipe. Transfer the browned beef from the pan and set it aside, ensuring 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat remain in the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to medium and introduce the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes tender, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the final 30 seconds of cooking.
- Incorporate the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook it. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until well combined, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta, stirring thoroughly to integrate. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover with the lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente tenderness, stirring periodically. If you enjoy one-pot pasta meals, our easy creamy beef pasta recipe is another fantastic option. Should the pasta not be fully cooked and the liquid is scarce, augment with an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth as needed.
- Fold in the heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring continuously until all the cheese has completely melted into a smooth sauce. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef, continuing to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the meat, then serve this delightful dish promptly!
If you need to, add more broth!
Depending on variables such as your pasta type, skillet size, and cooking temperature, additional broth might be necessary. If your pasta hasn’t fully cooked and the liquid is depleting, feel free to incorporate an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth as required.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Alternative Cheeses: Although cheddar is the classic choice, I often enjoy exploring other options. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different varieties such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, white cheddar, or even pepper jack for a touch of spice. You might also enjoy using some of these cheeses in our easy cheesy air fryer grilled cheese recipe.
- For a Spicy Kick: Introduce crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a gentle warmth, or cayenne pepper for a more pronounced heat. I also enjoy creating a Tex-Mex rendition by incorporating a can of spicy Rotel!
- Boost with Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating finely chopped carrots, fresh spinach, or tender peas into your dish.
- Enriched with Sour Cream: Numerous reviewers have suggested folding in 1/2 cup of sour cream just before serving for an even more decadent and creamy sauce!
- Prepare a Larger Batch: If you’re hosting a large family gathering or entertaining guests, consider using a substantial, deep-sided pot (such as a Dutch oven) to effortlessly double or even triple this Hamburger Helper recipe.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute your preferred gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Be aware that most gluten-free pasta typically requires a slightly extended cooking time and potentially a bit more broth. Once the pasta is cooked, combine 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this slurry into the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, then proceed with the remaining recipe steps.
What to Serve with Hamburger Helper?
While this robust cheeseburger macaroni recipe is satisfying enough to be a standalone meal, I often enjoy pairing it with a fresh side salad, such as my beloved Greek salad or a crisp cucumber tomato salad. For an added dose of vegetables, these sautéed green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts make excellent companions. And, of course, don’t forget a slice of easy homemade garlic bread with butter and parmesan to perfectly sop up every last bit of the rich sauce!
How To Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerator: This homemade Hamburger Helper is truly at its prime when enjoyed immediately, much like its classic counterpart. However, any remaining portions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be aware that upon reheating, the sauce may become less creamy.
- Reheat: To restore a semblance of its original creamy consistency, gently reheat either in the microwave or on the stovetop, incorporating a small splash of cream or broth.
Notes
- Storage: Because the pasta tends to absorb liquid over time, this cheeseburger macaroni is ideally enjoyed fresh. Nonetheless, leftovers remain delicious for the following day’s lunch. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers either on the stovetop or in the microwave. Incorporate a dash of broth or heavy cream (or both) to help restore its creamy texture.
- Larger Servings: Catering to a bigger group or a large family? Utilize a sizable, deep-sided pot, such as a Dutch oven, to easily prepare a double or even triple batch of this Hamburger Helper recipe.
- Gluten-Free Option: Opt for your preferred gluten-free pasta and substitute cornstarch for the all-purpose flour. Note that gluten-free pasta typically requires slightly longer cooking and potentially a bit more liquid. After the pasta is cooked, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this mixture into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens before continuing with the recipe.
- Spice it Up: Craving a bit of heat? You can easily incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, or a generous pinch of cayenne pepper for a more fiery kick!
Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove cooked ground beef from pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute, slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder and pasta, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover with lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If your noodles are not cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
- Add in the cream and cheese and stir until all the cheese is melted. Add back in ground beef, cook for 2 to 3 minutes more to re-heat ground beef and serve immediately!
Notes