Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy bowl of homemade Hamburger Helper. If you grew up in the ’90s or early 2000s, chances are you have fond memories of those busy weeknights when a boxed dinner was a lifesaver for your parents. It was quick, easy, and—let’s be honest—delicious. But as we get older, we start paying more attention to what goes into our food.
That’s why this homemade version is such a game-changer! It gives you all the nostalgic flavors you love, but with fresh ingredients and none of the preservatives found in the store-bought mix. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s totally customizable—swap the type of pasta, adjust the seasonings, or add in extra veggies to make it your own.
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness, this homemade Hamburger Helper is about to become your new go-to meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions
In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it off.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the beef broth, milk, and tomato paste, then add the elbow macaroni. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Stir again, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Serve your homemade Hamburger Helper hot, garnished with a little extra cheese if desired. Pair it with a side salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Notes
- You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just add a little milk when reheating to keep it creamy.