Why We Love This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Forget the boxed version — this homemade Hamburger Helper is bursting with fresh flavors and creamy goodness! Jorge and I have very fond memories of hamburger helper, as the boxed kind was one of our staple dinners when we first got married. We quickly figured out we could make it taste so much better from scratch and have made it this way ever since! Here’s why we think you will love this easy recipe too:
- Oh-So-Creamy: Made fresh with heavy cream and real cheddar cheese, the lusciously creamy homemade cheese sauce is what sets this hamburger helper recipe apart.
- Just As Quick & Easy: Just like the boxed version, everything is cooked together in a single skillet and ready in 30 minutes. Yay for easy cleanup!
- Affordable: This budget friendly recipe utilizes pantry staples and affordable ingredients to keep it easy on your wallet.
- Hearty: This is one of those great stick-to-your-ribs dinner that is so good everyone wants seconds. Our kids are always fighting over the last bite!
Prefer to use your instant pot? Check out my instant pot hamburger helper! You may also love our copycat hamburger helper stroganoff recipe!
Key Ingredients
Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make this homemade hamburger helper recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef, but any ground meat, like ground turkey or chicken, will work! If you use a fattier cut, drain any excess grease.
- All-Purpose Flour: See the ‘Cook’s Notes’ section below for a gluten free option.
- Small Pasta Shells: This recipe also works well with elbow macaroni noodles. Just make sure to use a small bite-sized pasta for the best pasta to sauce ratio.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream will give you the creamiest results, however you can use half and half or even evaporated milk.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For best results, I recommend using freshly shredded cheese versus the bagged pre-shredded cheese. The bagged cheese has anti-caking agents on it that will thicken the sauce more than desired. If you do use it, you may want to add a little extra cream or broth to thin out the sauce!
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade version is ready in just a few quick steps! Have all your ingredients out and ready to go as this dish moves fast. Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full instructions and to watch the step-by-step video.
- Beef: Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Set cooked ground beef aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet.
- Sauté: Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Roux: Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute to make the roux for the cheese sauce. Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Pasta: Add the tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta, stirring to combine. Place the lid on top and simmer for 15 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Cream: Add in the cream and cheese and stir until all the cheese is melted.
- Add Beef: Add the ground beef back in and cook for 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Enjoy: Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately!
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is traditional, sometimes I like to switch it up. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, white cheddar or even pepper jack for a little kick.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for mild heat, or cayenne pepper for a good punch of heat. I also make a Tex-Mex version with an added can of the hot version of Rotel!
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely chopped carrots, spinach, or peas to the dish.
- Sour Cream: Many readers have commented that you can stir in a 1/2 cup of sour cream at the end, right before serving, for an even creamier sauce!
- Make Double: Feeding a crowd or large family? Use a large deep sided pot (like a Dutch oven) to double, or even triple, this hamburger helper recipe.
- Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten free pasta and swap the flour for cornstarch. Most gluten free pasta needs a little longer to cook with a little extra broth, so keep this in mind. Once the pasta is cooked, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, until thickened and continue with the recipe.
What to Serve with Hamburger Helper?
This hearty cheeseburger hamburger helper recipe doesn’t require sides, it’s filling enough on it’s own! However, I like to serve it with a side salad, like my favorite Greek salad or refreshing cucumber tomato salad. To get some extra greens in, these sautéed green beans or sautéed Brussel sprouts are great on the side. Don’t forget a slice of garlic bread, or some homemade garlic knots, to soak up the sauce!
How To Store Leftovers?
- Fridge: Just like the original, this homemade hamburger helper recipe is best served fresh. However, you can store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days! They just won’t be as saucy once reheated.
- Reheat: Reheat in the microwave, or on the stovetop, with a splash of cream or broth to try to bring back the creamy texture.
Depending on the type of noodles, your skillet, and how high you turn up the heat, you may need to add a little extra broth. If your noodles are not cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ready in 30 minutes and with just one-pot, this easy and extra cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is sure to be a new family favorite! Every bite features tender pasta and savory ground beef smothered in a rich, creamy tomato and cheese sauce.
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
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta (Keep in mind 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta.)
- ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium high heat. Remove cooked ground beef from pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute, 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, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover with lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If your noodles are not cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
- Add in the cream and cheese and stir until all the cheese melted. Add back in ground beef, cook for 2 to 3 minutes more to re-heat ground beef and serve immediately!
Notes
Storage: Since the noodles will soak up the broth once stored, this cheeseburger macaroni recipe is best served fresh. However, the leftovers are still tasty for lunch the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth and/or heavy cream to bring back its creaminess.
Make Double: Feeding a crowd or large family? Use a large deep sided pot (like a Dutch oven) to double, or even triple, this hamburger helper recipe.
Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten free pasta and the flour for the cornstarch. Most gluten free pasta needs a little longer to cook with a little extra broth, so keep this in mind. Once the pasta is cooked, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, until thickened and continue on with the recipe.
Spicy: Want to add some heat? You can add some crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat, or cayenne pepper for a good punch of heat!