Are you ready to bring a smile to your family’s faces with a hearty, cheesy dinner? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper, a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. This is one of those easy pasta recipes that will quickly become a staple in your home. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Hearty and satisfying, ideal for the whole family.
- Versatile – you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Rich, creamy flavor that rivals any restaurant dish.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers!
Ingredients
To make this delightful Homemade Hamburger Helper, you will need the following 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)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Homemade Hamburger Helper:
- 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, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute. Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If your noodles aren’t cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of broth as needed.
- Stir in the cream and cheese until melted. Add the ground beef back into the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to reheat. Remove from heat and let it rest for a minute or two so the sauce can thicken, then serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Homemade Hamburger Helper turns out perfectly every time:
- Feel free to use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor twist.
- If you want to add some veggies, consider throwing in some spinach or bell peppers when you add the onions.
- For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
- Don’t skip the resting time after cooking; it helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
How to Serve
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate your dinner by serving it with:
- A fresh garden salad for a burst of color and crunch.
- Garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables for a healthy side.
- For a fun twist, serve it in a hollowed-out bell pepper!
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat!
For more delicious meal ideas, check out my posts on Healthy Drinks and Juices to Hydrate and Cleanse the Body or Green Juice for Beginners. And if you’re looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your meal, don’t miss my Green Detox Juice recipe!
Now that you have this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe in your back pocket, you’re all set for those busy weeknights. Enjoy this creamy garlic pasta dish that your family will love, and watch it become a favorite in your home!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan; remove and set aside, reserving 2 tbsp grease.
- Sauté onion until soft, add garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour, then slowly add broth and bring to a boil.
- Add tomato sauce, seasonings, pasta, and simmer until pasta is tender, adding broth if needed.
- Stir in cream and cheese until melted, reheat beef, then let rest to thicken before serving.