How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper, a classic comfort food that you can make in just 30 minutes. This dish is not only a fantastic option for quick family dinners, but it also falls under the category of easy pasta recipes that everyone can enjoy. So, let’s dive in and create a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, creamy, and cheesy—who can resist that?
• Customizable with your favorite ingredients or leftovers.
• Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
• Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds!

Ingredients

To make this delightful 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 get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Homemade Hamburger Helper:

1. 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.
2. 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 wonderful flavor.
3. Add the flour and stir for about 1 minute, then slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. 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.
5. Once the pasta is al dente, add in the cream and cheese, stirring until all the cheese is melted. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat. Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute or two so the sauce can thicken, then 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 meat alternative for a lighter option.
• Experiment with different types of cheese! While cheddar is classic, you could also try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when cooking the onions.
• For a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the mix.

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 light vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Steamed vegetables for a pop of color and nutrition.

It’s a fantastic way to create a well-rounded meal that’s still quick and easy!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re looking to save time during the week, 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 or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the Homemade Hamburger Helper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy quick meals that are both satisfying and delicious. If you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, don’t forget to check out my Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake for a perfect dessert pairing. Happy cooking!

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A comforting homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper, packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta) half of a standard 1lb box
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• to taste salt and pepper salt and pepper

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan; remove and set aside, reserving 2 tbsp grease.
2. Cook the onion until soft, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in flour, then slowly add broth and bring to a boil. Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta; simmer until pasta is tender, adding broth if needed.
4. Mix in cream and cheese until melted, then reheat beef for 2-3 minutes. Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, add a splash more cream or cheese.