best homemade hamburger helper recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
best homemade hamburger helper recipe
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The Best best homemade hamburger helper recipe

I’ve been making homemade hamburger helper for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My family loves it because it’s easy to make and tastes just like the boxed version, but without all the preservatives and artificial ingredients.

I love it because it’s a great way to get my kids to eat something other than plain old pasta or rice. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding different seasonings, vegetables, or even ground beef or turkey.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is that it’s quick and easy to make, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when everyone is running around like crazy. My husband and kids are always impressed when I serve this up as a quick dinner solution.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover ground beef or turkey, which we often have on hand. The secret to making this recipe so delicious is using high-quality ingredients – fresh vegetables, real cheese, and lean ground meat make all the difference.

When I first started making this recipe, I was skeptical about using so many ingredients, but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. The end result is a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying – just what you want after a long day.

Another thing I love about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and store it in the freezer for later use. This is perfect for meal prep or when you’re short on time during the week.

Best Homemade Hamburger Helper

Best Homemade Hamburger Helper

4.6 from 1865 votes

This homemade hamburger helper is a quick and comforting one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is made entirely from scratch with simple pantry ingredients, offering a richer flavor than the boxed version.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

For the Sauce and Pasta

2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Drain any excess fat from the pan.
4Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
6Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
7Pour in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, whole milk, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
8Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
9Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
10Once boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni.
11Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.
12Remove the skillet from the heat.
13Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and unsalted butter until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
14Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Box grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese. If the sauce seems too thick after cooking, stir in an extra splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Watch Video Of How Best Homemade Hamburger Helper Works

This homemade hamburger helper recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests with a hearty casserole.

It’s also an excellent choice for family gatherings or potlucks because everyone loves it.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it freezes beautifully – simply thaw and reheat as needed for a convenient meal solution.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Helper

What is homemade hamburger helper?

Homemade hamburger helper is a simple dish made with ground beef or turkey, pasta, and a mixture of cheese and spices.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of ground turkey if you prefer – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written contains gluten due to the use of regular pasta – but you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely – add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to make it more nutritious.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No – this recipe contains ground meat and cheese.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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