Homemade Hamburger Helper – A Cozy Classic Made from Scratch!
Skip the box and make your own Homemade Hamburger Helper — it’s so much creamier, cheesier, and packed with flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying with just one pan to wash.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season:
- Stir in minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Base:
- Add tomato paste, beef broth, and milk. Stir until everything is combined.
- Add Pasta:
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Cheesify:
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve:
- Spoon into bowls and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
| Calories | 470 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Sodium | 620mg |
Printable Recipe Summary:
| Homemade Hamburger Helper | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
FAQs
Q: Can I substitute ground turkey?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works great for a lighter version.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Q: Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely — toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onion.
Q: Will it thicken as it cools?
Yes, the sauce thickens a lot after a few minutes. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk.
This Homemade Hamburger Helper feels like a hug in a bowl — fast, easy, and sure to become a favorite!
