Homemade Hamburger Helper

When I think of comfort food, a steaming bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness comes to mind, evoking memories of cozy family dinners. This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a classic dish that takes just under 30 minutes to prepare, offering a delightful combination of flavors that brings everyone to the table. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds with minimal effort.

This recipe is ideal for families looking for a quick dinner solution or anyone craving a hearty meal. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making it a great candidate for meal prep. Leftovers store well for later enjoyment, ensuring no one goes hungry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a one-pot meal, minimizing clean-up time.
• The cheese melts into a creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
• It cooks in just about 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
• The combination of spices adds a rich flavor that elevates the dish.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients to create this delicious meal:

For the Beef

• 1 lbs ground beef
• 1 onion, diced

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 ¼ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground mustard

For the Pasta

• 2 cups pasta, such as elbow
• 3 ½ cups beef broth

For the Cheese

• 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese

Use lean ground beef for less grease.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Ground turkey works well instead of beef.
• Vegetarian pasta for a meatless version.
• Use vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
• Any type of cheese may be substituted.

How to Make It

This simple recipe comes together in just a few easy steps.

Cook the beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use your spoon to break it up.

Add the onion

Once the ground beef is partially cooked, add the onion. Continue to break up the ground beef until it is cooked all the way through.

Stir in seasonings

Add all of your seasonings and tomato paste. Stir to combine.

Combine the pasta and broth

Add the pasta and beef broth. Stir to combine.

Simmer

Turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Stir occasionally and allow the hamburger helper to cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.

Incorporate the cheese

Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: yes, but may lose texture when thawed.
Reheat: microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

Tips for Best Results

• Don’t rush the cooking of the beef; let it brown for flavor.
• Stir frequently during the simmering phase to prevent sticking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Top with diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an added kick.