Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Preparation 30 min
- Cooking 25 min
- Servings 6
- Freezing Absolutely
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Homemade Hamburger Helper: A Fast, Flavor-Packed One-Pot Classic
If you’ve ever craved comfort food that’s easy, nostalgic, and made with real ingredients, this Homemade Hamburger Helper is your new weeknight hero. Say goodbye to boxed dinners and mystery powders — this is the ultimate recipe for Hamburger Helper, made entirely from scratch with pantry staples, ground beef, and lots of love.
Whether you’re trying to learn how to make homemade Hamburger Helper or just want something quick, cheesy, and family-friendly, this version has your back. It’s a one-skillet wonder that brings together tender pasta, perfectly seasoned beef, and a rich, creamy sauce — all in under 30 minutes.
This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is incredibly adaptable. Craving something a little different? Turn it into a Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper Stroganoff by adding sour cream and mushrooms.
Whatever twist you choose, this dish is the ultimate comfort food without the artificial stuff — just big flavor, simple prep, and happy eaters around the table.
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🔴 Use ground beef with just enough fat
For a rich and flavorful Homemade Beef Hamburger Helper, go with lean or medium ground beef. Too much fat makes the sauce greasy, but too little and it’s dry.
🔴 Brown the beef properly
Don’t rush the browning! Take your time to sear the meat well — that golden crust adds major flavor to your Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
🔴 Add spices early
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning? Toss them in while cooking the beef. It helps flavor the meat and builds a solid base for your sauce.
🔴 Don’t overcook the pasta
If you’re cooking the pasta directly in the sauce, remember: it keeps cooking as it rests. Slightly undercook it for that perfect texture.
🔴 Customize your cheese blend
Cheddar is classic, but mixing in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spoon of cream cheese makes your Homemade Hamburger Helper easy to upgrade into something gourmet.
🔴 Want a creamy version? Add sour cream!
For a twist on Homemade Hamburger Helper Stroganoff, stir in a spoonful of sour cream at the end for tang and creaminess.
🔴 Use broth for extra flavor
Cooking the pasta in beef or veggie broth instead of water adds depth and makes the sauce even better.
🔴 Double the batch and freeze
How to make Homemade Hamburger Helper last longer? Cook extra and freeze portions for quick meals. It reheats like a dream with a splash of milk or broth.
🔴 Toss in veggies to balance it out
Bell peppers, spinach, peas, or even zucchini can sneak into the skillet without messing with the comfort food vibe.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut in mini cubes (1 cup)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 big garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, cut in mini cubes (1 cup)
- 1 lb medium-lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
- One can (398ml) Hunts tomato sauce
- 450g uncooked rotini
- 2 cups sharp cheddar grated
- Salt and ground pepper
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Preparation
- In a big sauce pan at medium heat, add olive oil along with carrots, onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, stir then cook for 5 minutes while stirring often.
- Add the zucchini and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
- Add the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes or until slightly pink. Drain off fat.
- Except for the cheese, add the rest on the ingredients then season with salt and pepper. Stir well, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until pasta are cooked al dente. ***If all liquid is evaporated but pastas are not cooked entirely, add about 1/4 cup milk, stir then continue cooking for a few minutes.
- Remove from heat and add the cheese. Stir to melt and serve immediately! You want it even creamier? Pour some more milk then stir again!
Absolutely! Elbow macaroni, rotini, shells, or even fusilli all work great. The key is choosing pasta that cooks quickly and holds onto the sauce well.
🥩
Definitely! Ground pork, turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative all work. Let your creativity (or your nearly empty fridge) guide you.
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is tough to beat. You can also stir in a bit of cream cheese for an even creamier, richer sauce.
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