Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that your family will absolutely adore? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper, a comforting dish that brings back fond memories of childhood dinners. This easy pasta recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick family dinners that can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- A creamy, cheesy delight that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for meal prep or leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Ingredients
To make this delightful 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the flour and stir for about 1 minute, then 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. 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.
- 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 protein for a healthier twist.
- Add in some frozen peas or spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
- For a creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or cheese.
- Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning 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 with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
For dessert, why not indulge in a slice of Decadent Chocolate Cake or the Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake? They make the perfect sweet ending to your meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is fantastic 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 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 make sure to store it in an airtight container!
So, there you have it! A delightful, creamy, and cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s one of those 30-minute meals that you’ll want to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large pan, then set aside, leaving 2 tbsp grease.
- Sauté onion until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour, then slowly add broth and bring to a boil.
- Add tomato sauce, seasonings, pasta, and simmer until pasta is tender, adding broth if needed.
- Stir in cream and cheese until melted, reheat beef, then rest for a few minutes before serving.