Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. This dish combines tender ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce that the whole family will love.

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)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 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, leaving 2 tablespoons of the rendered grease in the pan.
2. Step 2: Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Cover with the lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the pasta isn’t fully cooked and liquid is low, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
5. Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest for a minute or two to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Try adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Use different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
• If you prefer, swap pasta shells for elbow macaroni or small penne.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before reheating. Just keep the sauce a bit looser when cooking, as the pasta will absorb more liquid when stored.

Can I freeze leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper?

While technically possible, freezing may affect the texture of the pasta and sauce. If you freeze it, do so in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 81 reviews

This homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce with savory seasonings. Made from scratch with simple ingredients, it’s a delicious alternative to the packaged version, offering a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Dry Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 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)

Liquids and Dairy

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat over medium-high. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the reserved grease and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture up to a boil.
4. Simmer Pasta with Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta to the pan. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with the lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender. If the pasta isn’t fully cooked and the liquid reduces too much, add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the beef and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let it rest briefly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• If using different pasta shapes, adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Adding extra broth if necessary helps prevent the dish from drying out.
• Season with salt and pepper at the end to taste, as seasoned salt is already included.

Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, Ground Beef Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta, Ground Turkey, One Pan Meal