Name: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup tomato paste or 1 can diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried herbs; Optional: 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers

I make Homemade Hamburger Helper when I want a quick, comforting, and budget-friendly meal that’s packed with savory beef, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce. It’s a classic comfort food that I can customize to my liking and trust exactly what’s going into it.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up with pantry staples while tasting so much better than the boxed version. The homemade sauce is rich and flavorful, and the ground beef and pasta combo always satisfies my craving for hearty comfort food. Plus, I can add extra veggies or seasonings to make it just right.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• ground beef
• elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• onion, diced
• garlic, minced
• beef broth
• milk
• tomato paste or diced tomatoes
• shredded cheddar cheese
• olive oil or butter
• salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning or dried herbs
• optional: frozen peas, corn, or bell peppers

directions

I start by browning the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic in a large skillet until the beef is cooked through and the onions are softened. I drain any excess fat, then stir in tomato paste or diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Next, I add the uncooked pasta and seasonings, bringing the mixture to a simmer. I cover and cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Finally, I stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. I like to add frozen peas or other veggies toward the end for extra color and nutrition.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep and cooking together take around 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach boosts the veggie content. For extra cheesiness, I mix in cream cheese or use a blend of cheeses.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the dish gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, elbow macaroni works great, but shells, rotini, or penne are tasty alternatives.

Can I make this gluten-free?

I substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.

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

I let it simmer uncovered a bit longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I cook it fully and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

Homemade Hamburger Helper is one of my favorite quick, comforting meals that tastes even better than the boxed version. It’s easy to make, versatile, and always hits the spot when I want hearty, cheesy goodness.