How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper Your Family Will Love

Are you ready to bring a smile to your family’s faces with a hearty, cheesy dinner? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper, a delightful twist on a classic that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is not only delicious but also falls under the category of easy pasta recipes that you can whip up in no time. Let’s dive into this comforting meal that’s perfect for quick family dinners!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, creamy, and cheesy flavor that your family will adore.
• Versatile ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
• Can be made in just 30 minutes, ideal for 30-minute meals.
• Perfect for leftovers, making it a great option for meal prep.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper, you will 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.
3. Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute. 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 are not cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth as needed.
5. Add in the cream and cheese, stirring until all the cheese is melted. Add back in the ground beef 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:

• For a little extra flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or cheese.
• Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed!

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 for a refreshing crunch.
• Garlic bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed vegetables for a healthy side.
• For dessert, why not indulge in a slice of Decadent Chocolate Cake or Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake?

Make Ahead and Storage

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 it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up if needed. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

So there you have it! A delicious, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner idea that your family will love. I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Hamburger Helper as much as I do. Happy cooking!