Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Skillet filled with homemade hamburger helper being served.

No ratings yet

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This homemade hamburger helper is quick, easy, and a delicious dinner recipe perfect for any weeknight meal. Made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this one pot meal is ready in 30 minute. It's time to ditch the boxed stuff and enjoy this homemade version of a classic recipe everyone will love!

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time30

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 734kcal

Author: Amanda Mason

Equipment

1 12-inch skillet with high sides (about 2-3 inches deep)

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons butter, salted
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 lb ground ground beef
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
1 lb Cellentani pasta, uncooked
4 cups beef broth
2 cups whole milk
2 cups medium cheddar cheese, shredded
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 Tablespoons of butter, the chopped onion, and 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, ensuring you break up the beef as you go. When done, do not drain the meat.
Add in 2 teaspoons of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of ground mustard, and mix with the ground beef until well combined.
Add the uncooked pasta, 1 Tablespoon tomato paste, 4 cups of beef broth, 2 cups of milk and mix well to combine. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat and cook uncovered until the the noodles are done, about 12-15 minutes.
Then, add in the 2 cups of shredded cheese and stir until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Top with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

When browning the ground beef, don't drain the fat from the meat. It adds more flavor to the dish.

To cut down the fat content, use a more lean ground beef.

To add even more protein, use protein based noodles when making this homemade hamburger helper recipe.

Skip the bagged cheese and shred it fresh from a block. The difference is absolutely incredible and is guaranteed to taste more fresh and savory. Freshly grated cheese will also melt easier and be more creamy.

Store any leftovers in a container with the lid and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

For best results, reheat in a pot on the stove top, adding more milk to make it creamy again. Stir until warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Nutrition