Homemade Hamburger Helper became one of those dinners I started making when I wanted something quick but still filling enough for everyone at the table. Although the boxed version is convenient, I wanted a homemade version with a creamier sauce, plenty of real cheese, and more flavor. So, instead of reaching for a box, I started making it from scratch with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and a few simple seasonings. After a little experimenting, this easy one-pot dinner quickly earned a regular spot in my weeknight rotation.

This Homemade Hamburger Helper combines tender pasta and savory ground beef with a creamy tomato and cheddar cheese sauce. Better yet, everything cooks in one pan, which means you get an easy dinner without a sink full of dishes afterward. Plus, the entire meal takes about 30 minutes, making it especially useful on evenings when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Hamburger Helper

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it makes weeknight dinner. Since everything cooks in one pan, you can prepare a filling meal without juggling several pots and pans at once.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is the creamy cheese sauce. Instead of using a packaged sauce mix, cheddar cheese, heavy cream, tomato sauce, and seasonings come together to coat every piece of pasta and ground beef.

On top of that, you can easily change the recipe depending on what you have available. For example, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, use a different small pasta shape, or add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or finely chopped carrots.

Finally, the whole dish comes together in about 30 minutes. As a result, it’s a great option for busy evenings when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You Will Need

You’ll need a large, deep skillet with a lid so there’s enough room for the pasta to cook directly in the sauce. A wooden spoon or sturdy spatula also makes it easier to break apart the ground beef and stir everything together as it cooks.

In addition, have your ingredients measured and ready before you begin. Since this recipe moves fairly quickly once the beef finishes cooking, having everything nearby makes the process much easier.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
• 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Once the beef has cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the skillet.

Next, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens. During the final 30 seconds, stir in the minced garlic.

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir continuously for about 1 minute. Then, gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring so the flour blends smoothly into the liquid.

Once the broth begins to bubble, stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta.

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. After that, cover the skillet and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender.

Check the pasta as it cooks because different shapes may absorb the broth at different rates. If the liquid disappears before the noodles become tender, add another ¼ to ½ cup of broth and continue cooking.

Once the pasta is ready, pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese completely melts and the sauce turns smooth and creamy.

Next, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the pasta. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so the beef heats through.

Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and let the Hamburger Helper rest for a minute or two. As it sits, the sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the pasta. Then, serve while it’s still warm and creamy.

Tips for the Best Homemade Hamburger Helper

Let the ground beef brown properly before stirring it too much. Giving it a little time against the hot skillet creates browned edges that add more flavor to the finished dish.

Freshly shredded cheddar also works especially well because it melts smoothly into the sauce. Although pre-shredded cheese will work when you’re short on time, you may need to add a splash of extra broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.

Meanwhile, keep an eye on the pasta toward the end of the cooking time. Since different pasta shapes and brands cook at slightly different speeds, start checking it a couple of minutes early. That way, you can stop cooking as soon as the pasta becomes tender rather than letting it turn too soft.

Finally, don’t worry if the sauce looks slightly loose when you first remove the skillet from the heat. Once the pasta rests for a minute or two, it will continue absorbing some of the sauce and everything will thicken nicely.

Easy Variations

If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken works well instead. You can also change the cheese by using Monterey Jack, white cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses.

For a little extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex version.

You can also add vegetables without changing the recipe too much. Finely chopped bell peppers or carrots can cook with the onion, while peas or spinach can go into the skillet toward the end.

For an even creamier finish, stir in a spoonful or two of sour cream after removing the skillet from the heat.

What to Serve With Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper is filling enough to serve by itself. However, if you want to add a side, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad all work well.

For something fresh alongside the creamy pasta, you could also serve it with Mixed Cucumber Salad, Armenian Salad, or Blistered Shishito Peppers. Since the main dish is rich and cheesy, a lighter vegetable side provides a nice contrast.

How to Store and Reheat

Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Then, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.

Keep in mind that the pasta will continue absorbing some of the sauce while it sits in the refrigerator. Therefore, when you’re ready to reheat it, add a small splash of beef broth, milk, or heavy cream to loosen the sauce.

You can reheat individual portions in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. Alternatively, warm a larger portion in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

More Dinner Ideas

• Salmon Tacos
• Minestrone Soup
• Beef and Broccoli