How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper—Easy Recipe!

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you ready for a blast from the past with a modern twist? Today, I’m sharing my secret recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper that’s so easy, delicious, and perfect for those quick family dinners. This creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting dish is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s one of those easy pasta recipes that everyone will devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes!
• Packed with flavor from garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
• Creamy and cheesy without being too heavy.
• Customizable—use ground beef or turkey, and your favorite pasta shape.
• Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe:

• 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

Let’s walk through how to make this easy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe step by step:

1. In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove the cooked ground beef from the pan and set it aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic for the last 30 seconds.
3. Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute. Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If needed, add an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth.
5. Add in the cream and cheese, stirring until all the cheese is melted. Add back in the ground beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more to reheat. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to make this Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe even better:

• Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Add some frozen peas or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of broth or add a little more flour.
• For an extra creamy dish, add more heavy cream or half-and-half.

How to Serve

Keep it simple with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a comforting meal, pair it with some roasted vegetables or a side of crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a balanced dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of broth or cream.

And there you have it—Homemade Hamburger Helper that’s better than the boxed version! It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that’s perfect for quick family dinners and weeknight meals. I just know you’ll love it as much as my family does!

Looking for more delicious and easy recipes? Check out my How to Make the Best Spaghetti Casserole or my How to Make 30 Minute Ground Beef Stroganoff for more tasty ideas. Happy cooking!

Homemade Hamburger Helper

A homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper, made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (8 oz) 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) 8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta.
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Brown the ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Remove the cooked beef, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease.
• Cook the onion over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic for the last 30 seconds.
• Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Stir in beef broth and bring to a boil.
• Add tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta. Simmer, covered, for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
• Stir in cream and cheese until melted. Add back the ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Serve immediately.

Notes

Customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the amount of cheese to your liking.

Keyword ground beef