Homemade Hamburger Helper has all the nostalgic flavors, but with a lusciously creamy homemade cheese sauce! Bonus: It’s still an easy one-pot meal, ready in about 30 minutes.
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 by making it from scratch.
Made with heavy cream and real cheddar cheese, every bite features tender pasta and savory ground beef smothered in a rich and cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect family-approved weeknight dinner!
“We loved this homemade hamburger helper recipe – it’s SO rich and creamy! I used ground turkey and it was still delicious. Next time, I’ll add some hidden veggies (picky toddler at the table) like diced bell peppers or grated carrots. One pot meals are always a hit here, will definitely be making it again soon.” — Haley, busy mom of two and passionate home cook and baker.
Key Ingredient Notes
- 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 after browning.
- Noodles: Any small bite-sized pasta will do, such as small pasta shells or the classic elbow macaroni noodles.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream will give you the creamiest results, however you can use half and half or even evaporated milk.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For best creamy results, use freshly shredded cheese. If using bagged shredded cheese, you may need a little extra broth or cream.
- Tomato Sauce: This creates the perfect rich tomato-cheese sauce like the original. For a richer tomato flavor, you can add up to 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Featured Reader Review
Currently eating a bowl of this right now and it’s SOOOOO GOOD! Quick and easy so that’s a plus. The smoked paprika makes it just perfect. It’s what I always wanted the box version to be.
Tips For Making Homemade Hamburger Helper
Have all your ingredients out and ready to go as this dish moves fast! Visit the printable recipe card below for full directions.
A wide, deep skillet or Dutch oven works best. Remember we are cooking everything together, so you will need to give the pasta room to cook.
Take your time browning the beef. Let the ground beef sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring. This creates those delicious browned bits that add extra flavor to the sauce.
You may need to add a little extra broth. 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 pasta is not cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, stir in an additional ¼ to ½ cup of broth to keep things saucy.
Don’t overcook the pasta and test it early. Different pasta brands cook at slightly different times. Start tasting a minute or two before the recipe suggests. Remember that the pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it sits, so stop cooking once it’s just tender!
After adding the cheese and beef, let it rest before serving. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for just a minute or two. The sauce will thicken up and cling perfectly to the pasta.
Variations To Try
- Different Cheeses: Any melty cheese will work, such as mozzarella, Monterey jack, smoked gouda, white cheddar or a cheddar blend.
- Tex Mex Style: Skip the Italian seasoning and salt and use taco seasoning instead. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce for more heat. I also like to add can of drained Rotel!
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding finely chopped carrots, spinach, or peas.
- 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!
- Instant Pot: Prefer to use your instant pot? Try my instant pot hamburger helper instead!
- Gluten Free: Once the pasta is cooked, whisk 2 teaspoons cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of beef broth (or water) and stir it into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, until thickened and continue with the recipe.
How To Store Leftovers?
While leftovers are still tasty, be warned that the pasta will absorb the sauce over time and change the texture. Store the cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish!
Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help bring back some of the original creamy texture.
What to Serve with Hamburger Helper?
This hearty dish doesn’t require sides, it’s filling enough on its own! However, you can’t go wrong with a slice of garlic bread, or some homemade garlic knots, to soak up the sauce.
To add some greens, try my favorite Greek salad. Sautéed green beans or sautéed Brussel sprouts are also great options.
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.
Prep Time5minutes
Cook Time25minutes
Total Time30minutes
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
-
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. Remove from the heat and let it rest for a minute or two so the sauce can thicken, then serve immediately!
Notes
Storage: Since the noodles will soak up the broth once stored, this homemade hamburger helper 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 (over medium-low heat) or in the microwave in quick bursts, stirring often. 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 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 on with the recipe.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 738kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 49g, Fat: 37g, Saturated Fat: 20g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.4g, Cholesterol: 160mg, Sodium: 1261mg, Potassium: 910mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1137IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 461mg, Iron: 4mg