This Homemade Hamburger Helper is sure to become a family favorite! It’s cheesy, flavorful, and full of pasta so you can't go wrong. Plus, it's a one-pot meal so you don't have to worry about a lot of dishes!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ This homemade version of classic hamburger helper not only tastes better than the boxed stuff, but it also has real ingredients so you can feel good about feeding this to your family.
✔️ It's a true one-pot meal and it can be on the table in about 30 minutes which means that it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast.
✔️ Most of these ingredients are pantry friendly so you don't have to worry about making a special trip to the grocery store.
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- lean ground beef
- onion
- garlic
- paprika
- chili powder
- salt and black pepper
- canned chicken broth
- milk
- elbow macaroni noodles
- grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom.
- Brown ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute. Drain fat if necessary. Seasoning with paprika, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
- Add the milk, chicken stock and macaroni pasta noodles, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cheese and serve!
Equipment
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- large skillet or large dutch oven
- wooden spoon
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FAQ's
Yes, you can make this easy recipe ahead and reheat it when you are ready to serve it. However, I think it tastes best fresh, so I prefer to wait until dinner time to make it.
I've found that shredded cheddar cheese works best for this dish, however, you can also use any type of good melting cheese such as Monterey jack, mozzarella, or a blend that you enjoy.
Whole wheat pasta will work great in this recipe. Just make sure that you adjust the cooking time to the recommended times for the pasta that you are using.
Test kitchen tips
- You can use any type of pasta instead of the elbow pasta. Our favorites to use are egg noodles, bowtie pasta, or even cavatappi pasta for this great recipe.
- If you are using a different type of pasta to make this homemade version of hamburger helper, make sure that you check the cooking times on the back of the package for al dente noodles and use the time that suits your pasta.
- When I am making a creamy skillet meal like this beef pasta I've found that using freshly shredded cheese works best, it will give you the best melt for your cheese sauce.
- Fresh parsley, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream are all great garnishes for the top of this tasty comfort food.
Variations
- Don't of chicken broth on hand? Avoid a trip to the grocery store and use beef broth instead.
- Add some additional flavor to the family favorite by adding garlic powder, onion powder, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little spice.
- Swap out the beef for ground turkey or ground chicken if you are not a fan of red meat. However, if your meat is lean I recommend adding a small amount of olive oil to your pot to prevent the meat from sticking while it browns.
- For a little tomato flavor stir in a couple tablespoons of tomato sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste to your sauce.
Storage
Refrigerate - Store leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer - While it's possible to freeze this pasta dish, I don't recommend freezing it because the pasta can change texture and become mushy. If you don't mind the texture change store your pasta in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat - After several attempts to reheat pasta like this, I've found that the best way to reheat it is in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of milk or broth to thin it out. Just keep the heat on medium until it is warm all the way through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warm all the way through.
Related recipes
- Are you a fan of one pot meals? If so you can't go wrong with this American Goulash recipe. It's a staple dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.
- If you love an easy pasta dish like this one, then be sure and try the beef stroganoff casserole. It's so simple and always family-friendly!
- Are you looking for another classic comfort food recipe? If so, give this Chicken Noodle Casserole a try. It's creamy and comforting and will warm you up from the inside out!
Serve with
- You can't have pasta without garlic bread. And, this Cheesy Garlic Bread pairs so well with this one-pot meal. Also, your whole family will love it.
- I love to serve this cheesy pasta recipe recipe with a side of Steamed Brussel Sprouts. Not only are they fresh, but they are also quick to make so you can have dinner on the table in no time at all.
- End this perfect weeknight meal with a sweet treat like this No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie. It's tangy and creamy plus you don't have to bake it, so it's a win-win!
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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 14.5 ounce can of chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute. Drain fat if necessary. Seasoning with paprika, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
- Add the milk, chicken stock and macaroni pasta noodles, increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cheese and serve!
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