Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Pot)

What Is Hamburger Helper?

Hamburger helper is a mixture of cooked macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce. The flavor resembles a cheeseburger, along with a mild tomato flavor. I find that it reminds me of mac and cheese- a beefed up mac and cheese- if you will. Now that my boys are older, they are asking for more protein, and this recipe certainly delivers.

General Mills created Hamburger Helper in 1971 to combat a meat shortage in the U.S. The name of this dish originated from its purpose to “help” ground beef taste better. Hamburger Helper became a hit, and the rest is history!

Hamburger Helper Video

How To Make Hamburger Helper

This homemade hamburger helper recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with four easy steps. You’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl in no time!

• Cook and season the ground beef: In a large pot, Dutch oven, or skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Mix in the seasonings.
• Add the other ingredients: Mix in the tomato paste. Pour in the broth and milk, then add the pasta.
• Simmer the mixture: Bring the liquid to a boil, stirring often. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
• Melt in the cheese: Turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and enjoy!

Ingredient Variations

Are you craving a twist of culinary creativity? Transform ordinary hamburger helper into a mind-blowing one pot meal with these suggestions.

• Meat: Not in the mood for beef? Use ground turkey, sausage, or ground chicken instead for a leaner protein option. Or, keep it vegetarian and add chopped bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.
• Broth: Swap the chicken broth for beef broth, bone broth, or water.
• Pasta: Switch the noodle shape up with bowties, shells, rotini, penne, or cavatappi pasta.
• Seasonings: Add black pepper, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other dried spices to please your palate.
• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over your serving for a pop of green.

Tips From the Kitchen

Hamburger helper is tasty as-is, but we have a few tips to elevate the flavor and texture of this childhood favorite even more.

• Season to taste. The amount of salt needed depends on the type of cheese and broth used. A good rule of thumb is to start with a pinch of salt and taste as you go, adjusting accordingly.
• Stir the pasta often. The sauce is thick, so it’s important to stir often as the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
• Add more liquid (optional). If the liquid evaporates faster than the pasta cooks, add an additional 1/2 cup of water or broth at a time as needed. If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream.

Ways To Serve

Homemade hamburger helper is a dish sure to please the whole family. Serve it hot and fresh with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, then bring out the sides. Get your veggies in with green beans, an ultimate garden salad, or a cabbage cucumber salad. Craving more carbs? Soak up the delicious sauce with garlic bread or dinner rolls.

Storage & Reheating

Do you have leftover hamburger helper? We’ve got good news for you — this meal makes the perfect kid-friendly lunch or dinner for the week ahead!

• Storage: To store for up to three days, place leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container and refrigerate.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover hamburger helper in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to restore the hydration.

More One Pot Meals

• Stuffed Peppers Soup — Savory broth loaded with veggies, ground beef, and rice
• Zuppa Toscana Soup — Creamy broth with sausage, potatoes, and kale
• Beef & Broccoli — Thinly sliced beef and broccoli stir fried in a sweet garlic sauce
• Lamb Stew — Tender lamb shoulder and veggies in a tomato-ey broth

Recipe

Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Pot)

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Servings

6 servings

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

Get a taste of childhood with homemade hamburger helper featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a cheesy sauce. You'll never go back to the store-bought version!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef 85% or leaner
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups elbow pasta uncooked
• 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly shredded

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up, cooking until no longer pink.
  
• Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Add the tomato paste and mix it all together.
  
• Pour in the broth and milk, then add the pasta. Bring the soup to a boil while stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
  
• Turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
  
• Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and gooey. Enjoy!
  

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Pot)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 561 Calories from Fat 261

% Daily Value*

Fat 29g45%

Saturated Fat 14g70%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 10g

Cholesterol 91mg30%

Sodium 1204mg50%

Potassium 545mg16%

Carbohydrates 41g14%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 33g66%

Vitamin A 583IU12%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 421mg42%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.