Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe Easy

ByDorothy Miller
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Craving that classic, comforting boxed dinner but want a fresher, tastier version you can make at home? This easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe delivers all the creamy, cheesy pasta goodness in just 30 minutes. It’s a simple, one-pan meal the whole family will love. For another quick ground beef favorite, try this Easy Hamburger Steak and Gravy Recipe.

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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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An easy one-pot cheesy beef and macaroni comfort food that’s inexpensive and ready in about 30 minutes. This homemade version features ground beef, macaroni, and a flavorful cheesy cheddar sauce as a homemade alternative to boxed Hamburger Helper.

  • Author: Dorothy Miller
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Method: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add the beef and onions to a soup pot. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef has browned (about 7-10 minutes), breaking the meat up with your spoon as you go along. If there's a lot of excess fat, spoon most of it out.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder.
  3. Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Stir in the uncooked macaroni and cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

This is a versatile one-pot meal perfect for using up leftover ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Any small bite-sized pasta like small shells or elbow macaroni works well.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 890
  • Fat: 28
  • Saturated Fat: 14
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 95

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. The cooking method remains the same, ensuring you get a flavorful and satisfying meal.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and other packaged ingredients are gluten-free. This simple swap allows you to enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe.

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