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This easy homemade hamburger helper recipe is my childhood favorite made even better! It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor in every single bite. It’s a one pan meal that’s easy in comes together in under an hour! Forget the box stuff, you’re gonna love this one even more!
For more one-pot recipes, try my casarecce pasta and stove top beef stew!
My homemade hamburger helper blows the store-bought stuff out of the water. We’re talking tender pasta, juicy beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite.
It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you want to unapologetically lick the spoon.
It’s an easy dinner recipe that comes together quickly and easily and uses nothing but simple ingredients.
One pan, no fuss, and zero weird powdered packets. Serve it up and watch everyone at the table fight over the last spoonful!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Easy recipe that the whole family will love!
- Homemade version of hamburger helper – but better! This recipe uses real ingredients and tastes way better than the boxed version!
- Ideal for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast!
Key Ingredients
(full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card)
- 80/20 Ground Beef is my recommendation for this recipe. I like the flavor of 80/20, but you can also use ground turkey or lean ground beef here too! Save leftovers and make my easy hamburger steaks next!
- For seasonings, we’re using garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian Seasoning. These work together to provide a ton of flavor, way better than the store-bought version!
- Tomato Paste, just a tiny bit, adds a touch of acidity and flavor to enhance the sauce.
- Butter and Flour create a roux that helps the sauce to thicken as it boils.
- Elbow macaroni noodles give this recipe that classic hamburger helpful feel. If using a different noodle/pasta, just be sure to use a short cut pasta for best results.
- BBQ sauce adds a pop of sweetness, tang, and subtle smokiness that balances out the richness of the cheese. For some heat, you can use hot sauce too.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten Free option: use cornstarch in place of flour and use gluten free noodles of your choice.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead.
- For a spicier version, add in some cayenne pepper and/or red pepper flakes.
- Use different cheeses! Pepper jack will add a nice spicy kick or parmesan for something more nutty. You can even add cream cheese for an even creamier base sauce.
How To Make Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Add ground beef and chopped onion to a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until no longer pink, then add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the seasonings have fully coated the meat, then add in garlic, tomato paste, butter, and flour. Continue to cook for 3 minutes, until the flour coats the beef and the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Add in beef 4 cups of beef stock and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Add in Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and elbow macaroni. Mix together and cover with a lid. Reduce to low heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the macaroni is al dente. Remove the lid and add in BBQ sauce and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir together until the cheese is fully melted.
Pro Tips
- Brown the beef properly. Let it sear without stirring too much at first so you get flavorful caramelized bits (fond) in the pan.
- Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy; fresh shredded melts creamier.
- Finish off the heat. Stir in the cheese after removing from direct heat to keep the sauce silky, not oily or broken.
- Adjust consistency to your liking before serving. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth; if it’s too thin, simmer for a couple extra minutes.
How To Serve
Hamburger Helper’s the star, but let’s be real, even Beyonce has backup singers! For easy meals like this, I keep the sides simple.
Serve with some garlic bread and some green beans or roasted broccoli you’ve got a family dinner that even the picky eaters will love!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! You can swap in any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne and it’ll still soak up all that cheesy, beefy goodness. Just keep an eye on the cook time since different shapes may need a minute or two more (or less) to get al dente.
Cheddar is the classic choice because it melts smoothly and gives that sharp, cheesy punch. For an extra creamy sauce, mix in a little American or Monterey Jack to keep things silky smooth.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed throughout.
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then place into an airtight container. Pop into the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, place into the refrigerator until thawed completely or defrost in the microwave.
Yes, you can but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
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Big Mac Salad
Main Course
Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken
Main Course
Steak Fried Rice
Main Course
Pepper Steak Recipe
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If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and comment below! You can also tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can celebrate your beautiful creations!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Yellow Onion, (diced)
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 cloves Garlic, (diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 3 tbsp Salted Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 4 cups Beef Broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 2 tbsp BBQ Sauce
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, (shredded)
- Fresh Parsley, (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add ground beef and chopped onion to a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until no longer pink, then add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the seasonings have fully coated the meat, then add in garlic, tomato paste, butter, and flour. Continue to cook for 3 minutes, until the flour coats the beef and the mixture thickens.
- Add in beef 4 cups of beef stock and bring to a boil. Add in Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, and elbow macaroni. Mix together and cover with a lid. Reduce to low heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, until the macaroni is al dente.
- Remove the lid and add in BBQ sauce and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Remove from heat and stir together until the cheese is fully melted. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Could I substitute half and half for the heavy cream?
Absolutely!
This recipe rocks!! Absolutely loved in my house and will be on repeat.
Aww thank you so much!
I modified this recipe for my own preferences. I made it with rice and cooked in my rice cooker. Might even be able to still use pasta. I will experiment.
I am a 73 year old diabetic man divorced for over 20 years. I primarily cook using my 16 quart air fryer, my large and small crock pots, and my rice cooker. The air fryer has a small rotisserie that will hold a fryer size chicken.
One of my favorite rice cooker recipes is rice with a 16 ounce can of sardines.
I’m so glad that you were able to make this recipe as per your preferences. Enjoy!
Love the hamburger helper! Very beefy. I think the seasonings are perfect. I may replace some of the beef stock with water, maybe 1 cup, it bring out a bit more cheesiness. Thank for the recipe.