Skip the box and make this creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe with beef, pasta, and loads of melty cheese.
author’s note
Better Than Boxed Hamburger Helper!
Growing up, whenever my mom pulled out a box of Hamburger Helper for dinner, my siblings and I were instantly excited. It was one of those easy meals everyone looked forward to, and honestly, it always disappeared fast. Now that I’m cooking for my own family, it brings back that same nostalgic feeling. These days though, I love making homemade versions of the comfort foods I grew up with—just like mac and cheese—because I can use real ingredients while still keeping things simple.
Now my kids get just as excited when this homemade Hamburger Helper is on the menu, and I totally get it. It’s extra cheesy, loaded with savory beef, and packed with tender pasta in every bite. It’s become one of our go-to dinners on busy nights because it comes together quickly, only uses one pot, and everyone happily cleans their plates. That’s always a win in my book.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Use olive oil for a flavorful base, but any cooking oil works well. |
| Lean Ground Beef (93/7) | Ground turkey works too. Add a little extra salt or a pinch of beef bouillon for more flavor. |
| Seasonings | Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard create lots of flavor with minimal effort. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | No crushed tomatoes? Blend diced tomatoes in a food processor or blender first. |
| Chicken Broth | Use low-sodium broth if preferred or reduce added salt as needed. |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | Freshly grate cheese for the smoothest, creamiest melt. |
How To Make This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe:
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil, add lean ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Combine: Stir in seasonings. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and pasta.
- Cook: Simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and gradually stir in freshly grated cheese until melted.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.
chelsea’s recipe tip
Future-You Hack!
Brown the ground beef and pre-measure seasonings ahead of time. Store them in zipper-top bags as DIY seasoning packets for faster, easier weeknight meals.
Storage
Fridge: Store leftover homemade hamburger helper recipe covered in the fridge for 3–5 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth and heat gently to restore creaminess.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating.
What To Serve With Hamburger Helper:
Hamburger Helper Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef 93/7
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2-1/2 cups chicken broth see note 1
- 2 cups elbow pasta 9 ounces, see note 2
- 2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 6.6 ounces, see note 3
- finely chopped cilantro optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat. Add ground beef and allow it to sear, about 1 min per side. Break it apart and cook until it’s browned all the way through.
- Once the beef is fully cooked, add all the remaining ingredients except the cheese and cilantro. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. (You should see it bubbling at the edges.) Reduce heat to medium and cover pot with a lid.
- Allow the mixture to cook, covered, for 10–12 minutes. Stir a few times to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be cooked to al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm. Don’t worry if the dish is still saucy at this stage; it will continue to thicken.
- Keep the pot on the stovetop but turn off the heat. Stir the mixture well and gradually add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is absorbed into the pasta. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- If desired, sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
