There’s something so comforting about a hearty, cheesy dinner that brings the family together, isn’t there? If you’re like me, you love quick family dinners that are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. Today, I’m excited to share my take on a classic favorite: Homemade Hamburger Helper! This recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional boxed version, and trust me, your family will love it. With simple ingredients and a cooking time of just about 30 minutes, this is one of those easy pasta recipes that you’ll want to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy flavor that rivals any restaurant dish.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Kid-approved and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers!
Ingredients
To make this delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish:
- In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds to infuse that lovely flavor.
- Add the flour and stir for about 1 minute, then slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If your noodles aren’t cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth as needed.
- Finally, stir in the cream and cheese until melted. Add the ground beef back into the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Homemade Hamburger Helper turns out perfectly:
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based protein for a lighter option.
- Add in some frozen peas or spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- For a creamier texture, use more heavy cream or half and half.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed!
How to Serve
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it with:
- A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
For more delicious beef recipes, check out my Ground Beef Stroganoff or Beef with Broccoli!
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if needed. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
So there you have it! A delicious, creamy, and satisfying Homemade Hamburger Helper that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for 30-minute meals or simply want to enjoy a comforting dish, this recipe has got you covered. Happy cooking!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan; remove and set aside, leaving 2 tbsp grease.
- Cook the onion until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually add broth, bring to a boil, then add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta. Simmer covered 12-15 mins until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cream and cheese until melted, then add cooked beef, cook 2-3 mins, and serve.