This simple homemade Hamburger Helper recipe includes ground beef, pasta, and a delicious cheesy cheddar sauce! It's pure comfort food that's affordable and ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to:
Why you’ll love it
- Healthier than store-bought: This homemade version is a one-pot dinner made with fiber-rich whole wheat pasta and nourishing vegetables like red pepper and spinach.
- Everything boils down together in the cheesy sauce (hey, comfort food!), so finicky eaters won't notice.
- One pot: These two magic words indicate that dinner will be simple to prepare and clean up! (Find more of our favorite one-pot dishes here!)
- Simple ingredients: This is a terrific recipe for cleaning up your refrigerator! It makes use of simple ingredients that you're likely to have on hand.
Main Ingredients
- Beef: I prefer to use at least 90% extra lean ground beef.
- Onion: Vidalia (sweet) onions are preferred in our cuisine.
- Tomato: A quick and affordable technique to achieve concentrated tomato flavor is with tomato paste.
- I usually keep garlic powder and chili powder in my cabinet because they are our go-to seasoning blend for adding delicious flavor.
- Pasta: The traditional pasta shape for this is elbow macaroni.
- Beef Broth: Use beef broth to give the sauce a fuller, more complex flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds just enough creaminess to my version of hamburger helper without the need for milk, making it even easier!
Pro tip
Recipes for one pot can vary based on your stove and ingredients, so feel free to add a little more if you seem to be running out of liquid with plenty of time left. One half cup at a time, try.
How to make Hamburger Helper
This is a summary with detailed pictures. The recipe card below contains all of the ingredients and instructions.
In a large pot, first cook the meat and onion, then drain off any extra fat. Next, add the tomato paste, chili powder, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil after adding the beef broth. Add the uncooked macaroni and stir once it reaches a boil.
Cook until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, grate the cheddar cheese. Add the cheese and season with salt and pepper to suit.
Substitutions and variations
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. To get it just right for your palate, you can always add extra garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chili powder, and more!
- There are readers who prefer to sneak in a little spinach. Simply stir it in close to the end of cooking until it wilts. Bell peppers sliced finely would also be excellent.
- Switch up the type of cheese if you want to add some flair. Some interesting varieties include Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, etc.
- If you like, you can use ground chicken or turkey in its place.
- It might be necessary to modify the liquid proportions and/or cooking time if you wish to use a different pasta form, like shells (this has only been tried with macaroni).
What to serve with Hamburger Helper
- It would be excellent with a salad on the side, but it's undoubtedly a meal in and of itself. Try one with my Copycat Olive Garden Salad Dressing or my Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing.
- Another delicious combination that everyone will love is making Extra Cheesy Garlic Bread at home.
- Do you want to serve it with vegetables? Perfectly caramelized, these Easy Roasted Green Beans are a breeze to prepare.
Leftovers and storage
- Leftovers of this Hamburger Helper will stay in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container, but bear in mind that the spaghetti will continue to absorb the broth over time. But it will still taste good.
- For optimal results, reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until well heated. If desired, thin with a little beef broth.
- Freezing leftovers is not something I advise. When cooked pasta is thawed, its texture changes.
If you tried this homemade Hamburger Helper or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
More family friendly recipes
- Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak Meatballs (Frozen Meatballs)
- Crockpot Steak and Potatoes
- EASY Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe
- Quick And Easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole
- 30-Minute Grilled Buffalo Chicken
Recipe
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
This simple homemade Hamburger Helper recipe includes ground beef, pasta, and a delicious cheesy cheddar sauce! It's pure comfort food that's affordable and ready in about 30 minutes.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 617kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put the steak in a soup pot with the onions. Break up the beef with your spoon as you cook it over medium-high heat until it has browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Spoon out most of the surplus fat if there is a lot of it.
- Add the chili powder, garlic powder, and tomato paste and stir.
- Turn the heat up to high and add the beef broth. Add the macaroni as soon as it begins to boil.
- Lower the heat to a quick simmer rather than a raging boil. In the end, I cooked mine on medium heat. Cook it uncovered for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed. I give it a stir every few minutes.
- To save time at the beginning of the recipe, grate the cheese while it's cooking.
- After turning off the heat, add the cheese and stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. It soaks up the sauce and tastes more if I let it sit for a few minutes before serving, but you may serve it immediately.
NOTES
- 4-6 servings, depending on the size of the portion.
- Ingredients and stoves vary, just like any one-pot dish. Feel free to add more liquid, ½ cup at a time, if you're running low on liquid (as in, it might stick and burn) and you still have some pasta to cook.
NUTRITION
Calories: 617kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1735mg | Potassium: 845mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 898IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 446mg | Iron: 4mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!
Mia Ross says
'Comfort food' has never looked so good! I'm really excited about the idea of using different cheeses. Smoked cheddar sounds divine for a little twist!
Olivia Clark says
This homemade Hamburger Helper sounds like the perfect weeknight meal! I love how you can whip it up in just 30 minutes and use what you already have in your fridge!
Brianna Flores says
Yum! I'm all about that cheesy goodness. Plus, using whole wheat pasta is such a smart way to sneak in some extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor!
Jane Morgan says
'One pot' is music to my ears! I love that this recipe keeps things simple while still delivering big on flavor. Definitely adding this to my meal plan!
Bella Gray says
I can't wait to try adding spinach like you suggested! It’s always a win when I can get some greens into my family's meal without them noticing.
Ariel Campbell says
This recipe is calling my name! The idea of adding spinach or bell peppers sounds fantastic—gotta sneak in those greens while keeping it tasty!
Annie Hughes says
Oh wow, a homemade version of Hamburger Helper?! Count me in! It's so nice to know exactly what goes into my food, and this looks scrumptious!
Annabelle Sanders says
I’m definitely trying this recipe! One-pot meals are my jam, especially when they come together so quickly. Plus, who can resist cheesy goodness?
Chloe Ross says
Yum! This homemade Hamburger Helper sounds like the ultimate comfort food. I love that it’s made with whole wheat pasta and veggies—perfect for sneaking in some nutrition!
Cora James says
One pot meals are my jam! Less time cleaning up means more time enjoying dinner with my family, and this recipe looks super easy to customize too.
Eva Powell says
This recipe is giving me major comfort food vibes! The sharp cheddar cheese is a great touch; I can already imagine how creamy and delicious it will be!
Bella Gray says
This looks like a crowd-pleaser! I can already picture cozy family dinners with this on the table. And those variations you mentioned? So exciting!
Shelby Howard says
'Comfort food' has never looked better! I appreciate the tip about reheating too; leftovers always taste better after they've had time to meld together.
Anna Brooks says
'Leftovers for days'—that's what I'm talking about! This Hamburger Helper will be perfect for quick lunches throughout the week. Love that it stays tasty too!
Rebecca Clark says
Okay, I love how easy this is to whip up! It’s nice to have recipes that can use up pantry staples while still being super delicious—total win in my book!
Erika Parker says
I can’t wait to make this! Sharp cheddar and ground beef are such a classic combo. Perfect for chilly evenings when you just want something warm and hearty.
'Emma Weaver' says
This recipe is seriously tempting me right now! I'm excited to try out all those yummy seasoning options—spice it up a little, am I right?
Amanda Bennett says
'Homemade Hamburger Helper' is exactly what I need right now. It feels great to know what's going into my meal, especially when it's so simple and delicious!
Aspen Green says
'One pot' is music to my ears! This will make dinner so much easier after a long day. Plus, I love that it’ll be ready in about half an hour—amazing!
Nicole Hughes says
Ooh, sharp cheddar cheese is definitely the way to go here! It really elevates the flavor, and I might just try adding a little smoked cheddar for that extra kick. Can’t wait to whip this up!
Mackenzie Foster says
'Feel free to adjust seasonings'—I love that flexibility! You know I'm going to add more garlic because can you ever really have enough? So ready for a cozy night in with this dish!
Cecilia Brooks says
Yum! Hamburger Helper always reminds me of childhood dinners. I love the idea of using whole wheat pasta—it makes it feel a bit healthier, right?
Daphne Martinez says
'Easy Roasted Green Beans' on the side sounds like the perfect complement! This meal checks all my boxes—easy, comforting, and nutritious. Definitely making this soon!
Scarlett Bailey says
This Hamburger Helper recipe sounds like a total lifesaver for busy weeknights! I love how it incorporates whole wheat pasta and veggies; that’s a smart way to sneak in some nutrition while keeping it comforting.
Samantha Torres says
Okay, this recipe has my heart! Simple ingredients and quick prep time are everything when you’re juggling work and life. Plus, sharp cheddar is the star of the show!
Emma Weaver says
Yum! I’m all about one-pot meals because who wants to do dishes? Plus, I totally appreciate the tip about sneaking in spinach. My kids won't even know they’re eating greens!
Audrey Foster says
I’m all about those quick meals for busy weeknights! The addition of veggies like spinach is a clever way to sneak in some nutrition. Can’t wait to try this with my family!
Brooke Myers says
'Healthier than store-bought' definitely caught my eye! I might throw in some extra garlic because let’s be honest, more garlic makes everything better.
Clara Grant says
I love that this is healthier than store-bought options! It's so cool that you can make this from scratch with ingredients you already have at home. Makes dinner planning so much easier!
Carly Morris says
'Leftovers will last for days'? Yes please! This sounds like the perfect dish to make on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. Loving that cheesy goodness!
Christina Jenkins says
One pot, quick prep, and packed with flavor? Count me in! I love how versatile this recipe is; I can see myself switching up the meats or cheeses based on what’s in my fridge.
Daisy Hamilton says
'One pot' really is magic, isn’t it? Love how quick and hearty this looks—perfect for those lazy dinner nights when you just want something warm and cheesy.
Danielle Russell says
This recipe is giving me major comfort food vibes! The idea of adding garlic and chili powder sounds delicious. I might even throw in some bell peppers for an extra crunch—yum!
Meredith James says
'Leftovers will stay good for a few days'? Now that's music to my ears. This would be perfect for meal prepping. Just imagine how tasty it’ll be reheated—so excited to try this out!
Jillian Anderson says
I appreciate that this recipe gives room for creativity with seasonings and veggies. It’s perfect for clearing out the fridge too—great way to use what you have!
Diana Burns says
This looks so comforting and easy to whip up! I love that it’s a one-pot meal—clean-up is always a win in my book. Plus, who can resist cheesy pasta?
Alexa Taylor says
This looks like such a cozy dish for fall! I love how easy it is to customize based on what you have at home. Definitely adding this to my weekly meal plan.