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 right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, creamy, and cheesy—comfort food at its finest!
• Customizable with your favorite ingredients or veggies.
• Great for leftovers, making it a smart choice for meal prep.
• Kids and adults alike will be asking 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 ground beef back in 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 healthier option.
• Add in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
• Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• If you love creamy garlic pasta, consider adding a bit more garlic powder or even some minced garlic for an extra punch!

How to Serve

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is best served hot and fresh! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• For a fun twist, serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can cook the beef and veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just follow the remaining steps to finish cooking. This dish also stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick.

So, there you have it! A delicious, creamy, and cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper that’s perfect for quick meals and weeknight dinner ideas. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! And 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 delightful dessert. 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) 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta
• 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, leaving 2 tbsp grease.
2. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in flour, then slowly add broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta; simmer covered for 12-15 mins until pasta is tender, adding broth if needed.
5. Stir in cream and cheese until melted, then add beef and cook 2-3 mins to reheat. Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

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