If you grew up on the classic boxed Hamburger Helper, this homemade version is going to hit you right in the nostalgia, but tastes so much better. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and comes together in just one pot on busy weeknights. No powdered sauce packets here, just real ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
This is the kind of dinner kids love, adults love, and you’ll love because it’s affordable, feeds a crowd, and takes under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal (minimal dishes!)
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Budget-friendly
- Family approved
Variations & Add-Ins
- Make It Creamier: Add 2 oz cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream before adding the cheddar.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Yield:
4
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Pour in the beef broth, milk, and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until creamy and melted.
- Add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Enjoy!
