Homemade Hamburger Helper
My Homemade Hamburger Helper is easy to make, requires no fancy ingredients, ready in 30 minutes, and is a meal the whole family will love.
We also love this Creamy Taco Soup and Homemade Sloppy Joes for quick and easy meals!
I originally published this recipe in 2014 and have since added new photos and some success tips.
One reader, Anna says “I’ve made this recipe numerous times. We absolutely love it. My twist is adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce.”
Another reader, Rob says “Whole family loved this meal. It was so quick and easy to make and even my fussiest eater cleared his plate!”
Substitutions and Variations for Making Hamburger Helper
Feel free to add in extra vegetables! Grated zucchini, grated carrot, peas, spinach, and fresh tomatoes are all great options for this hamburger helper recipe.
Change up the flavor using different spices or add more. Also, if you don’t like some of the spices listed in the ingredients, feel free to leave them out.
Don’t like cheddar cheese? No problem — this recipe works great with Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, or any easy-to-melt cheese.
Readers have used other shapes of pasta without needing to change the liquids.
This recipe also works great with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. One reader even used lentils for a unique plant-based hamburger helper homemade version.
Brief Overview on How to Make Hamburger Helper
I love how simple and easy it is to make hamburger helper! When browning ground beef, I like to add the seasonings to help awaken their flavor.
However, if you have really fatty beef, I suggest waiting until you drain off the grease before adding in the seasonings so you don’t pour off all those delicious herbs and spices.
Be sure to brown the ground beef really well because this will also add more flavor to the meat and overall dish. It caramelizes the meat and makes it so delicious!
PRO TIP: After you stir in the pasta and let it simmer if the liquid is evaporating too quickly, feel free to add more as needed.
FAQs
No, it is not recommended to freeze this dish as the pasta gets too mushy.
While this tastes best fresh, reheat on the stovetop and add a little broth. Reheat over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. You can also reheat this in a microwave if preferred.
A traditional homemade hamburger helper recipe will call for ground beef, but as you discovered above, that’s not the only option! You could also use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based protein like lentils.
Serving Suggestions:
My homemade hamburger helper recipe is a great stand alone dish, especially if you have added in extra vegetables. However, it is great with a simple side salad and these Buttermilk Biscuits too!
I have also served it with these Simple Roasted Green Beans which are one of my kid’s favorite vegetables.
And if you are looking for something sweet to add alongside this retro dish, this Creamy Key Lime Fruit Salad is perfect.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 pound (500g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch to ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1½ cups (355ml) milk
- 1½ cups (355ml) beef broth
- 2 cups (260g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 (8oz) (227g) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, onion, paprika, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne powder, salt and pepper. If using a ground beef with a higher fat content add in the seasonings after draining the grease.1 pound (500g) lean ground beef, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, pinch to ½ teaspoon cayenne powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Stir in the milk, broth, macaroni and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.1½ cups (355ml) milk, 1½ cups (355ml) beef broth, 2 cups (260g) elbow macaroni, uncooked, 1 (8oz) (227g) can tomato sauce
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese
Video
Notes
- If using whole wheat elbow pasta you may need to add more liquid while cooking.
- STORAGE: Store cooled hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Nutrition Facts: Nutrition is calculated for the entire batch. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate. This website is not intended as nutritional advice, or a diet or health plan. Readers of this website are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to their health.
OMG, knock your sox off good! made this twice all ready, even my Dogs love it,LOL…thanks for sharing, definitely a staple dish from now on!!!
Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you like it!! 🙂
I browned meat with chopped onion & minced garlic. Cut garlic powder to 1/4 tsp. Sprinkled a bit of cayenne pepper. Incorporated 2 cups of beef broth (may want to add additional 1/4-1/2 cup of milk–the recipe definitely needs more liquid for Creamette elbow macaroni). My husband said it was too tomato-y, so when using tomato paste (recipe calls for tomato sauce OOPS!) cut back to 4oz. I added shredded triple cheddar cheese. Even my toddler enjoyed it–she had 2 helpings! I’ve even shared recipe with a friend because husband loves Hamburger Helper but she refuses to make it due to all the processing/preservatives.
Thank you so much for sharing your modifications!! I really appreciate it and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
This was delicious! I have been craving hamburger helper but will not buy the boxed stuff. Used all organic everything and turned out so yummy! Thank you!
I am so glad you liked it!! It’s one of our favorites!! 🙂
Fantastic recipe! Hits the spot for comfort food and as a quick, inexpensive meal. Also love how flexible it is with swapping out ingredients. Whole family is excited when I say this is on the menu. 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing it!
Thank you very much Patti!! 🙂
I made HH when first married and while we liked it, I knew I could cook better. Weird that my husband commented the other day that he missed HH. I haven’t cooked it for about 18 years. So I was happy to give this a try. I subbed ground turkey and chicken broth since I cannot have beef. I also used whole wheat elbows and did not need to adjust liquids. I just lowered the heat to cook longer. Tastes great! He will be happy to eat it and I’m happy I know what’s in it. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing!! I love your substitutions and I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!! 🙂
So I have another helper knockoff recipe that I use for filler days in my rotation. It’s easy and I always have the stuff on hand. It’s getting unpinned and replaced with this. Turned out wonderful and it was so fast to make. One pot easy clean up and looks like it will reheat well tomorrow for lunch.
Thank you so much Nicole!! I am so glad you liked it!! 🙂
I don’t eat beef, so I made it with ground turkey and chicken broth. I think it’s delicious…not sure if my beef eating friends will appreciate the substitute lol ty for sharing this recipe though….hubby LOVES hamburger helper! It’s always nice to find a healthy alternative!
I think your changes sound great!! I’m glad you liked the hamburger helper, it’s a family favorite of ours! Thanks Jani!!
i would love it if this was a no cheese extravaganza kinda meal. i think cheese ruins a good meal. i would love to make this but it doesnt remind me of the beef pasta by hamburger helper. i just wanted a healthier version but i just cant find it.
I found this recipe on Wednesday and have now made it twice! What a hit! I used gluten free shells (as I did not have macaroni on hand) and simmered for 15 minutes because of the noodles. Worked wonderfully.
I am so glad you liked it and were able to adjust to suit your needs!! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
I’ve made this so many times I almost have the recipe memorized. My family loves it and I can hardly stop my boys from licking the bowls! Great recipe and easy to do. Glad my boys get to grow up eating this classic and not realizing it’s a healthier version. I also usually add either a cup of frozen peas or a cut up zucchini.
Lol, same here! I make it so much I have it memorized and I love hiding veggies in it! Thanks Diana and I am so happy your family enjoys this recipe too!!
I cooked the recipe and my husband loved it
I am so glad you liked it!! Thanks Priscila!! 🙂
This was delicious! I made it vegetarian by substituting cooked lentils for the ground beef. My picky toddler and meat-eating husband loved it! My toddler kept saying “yummy”! This is a keeper. Thanks!
Wow, that’s so awesome you were able to make this into a vegetarian meal!! I have heard about substituting with lentils but I haven’t tried it yet and clearly I need to give it a try next time!! Thank you!
I don’t know what I did wrong. Mine was pretty bland so I added an unhealthy amount of beef powder stock, some extra paprika and some more garlic powder. Was ok but it doesn’t taste like what I was expecting. Bummer.
I was beginning to think I was the only one. It was super easy to make, but the flavor is lacking. Maybe a little bit of salt would solve it?
Worrchestire sauce
Tastier than in my childhood memories! Quick, easy and delicious!
That’s great!!! So glad you enjoyed this recipe and thanks for commenting!! 🙂
Hi Malinda I really would like to make this recipe but my daughter is dairy free. Do you have any ide what I could substitute instead of milk? Thanks so much
Hi Rae!! So sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner!! I don’t have experience with dairy free cooking but I know there are some readers that have made this dairy free. If you read the comments they explain what they have done. Thank you for asking!! 🙂
Don’t people know there’s Lactaid or Coconut to almond milk? They are all lactose free.
I am typing this as I eat… this recipe is so so good! The only modification I did was I used jarred tomato sauce instead of canned because I just didn’t have any. My husband is on his second helping so that’s a good sign! Thanks for the recipe!
I am so glad you enjoyed the Hamburger Helper!! It’s one of our family favorites!! Thanks for leaving your comment! 🙂
This recipe is awesome! I was making the shopping list for the week and asked my husband what he was wanted to eat for supper this week. He said hamburger helper. We’re living in the Netherlands where there is no hamburger helper. 😉 It was the perfect comfort food and I’ll definitely be making it again.
That’s awesome!! I am so glad you enjoyed the Hamburger Helper and thank you!! Have a great weekend! 🙂
This was so freaking good!!! My picky kids loved it!! I will never cook boxed hamburger helper again!! Thank you for this recipe!!
That’s awesome!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you so much for commenting!! 🙂
This was so amazing. I had to make a few substitutions based on what I had in the fridge/pantry, but my kids and husband liked it. I used turkey meat and almond milk. I didn’t have any paprika, so that got left out. I didn’t have any broth so I used water, and I didn’t have any tomato sauce, so I used a can of tomato soup and cut the water by 1/2 cup. I used carrots, bell pepper, onion, onion powder, garlic powder and parsley. Despite all my changes, it was still great and my husband thought it was even better (and much healthier) than the box. We will definitely be making this again.
That is so awesome you were able to adapt the recipe to what you had on hand!! That is how I like to cook most days!! Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
So yummy! I’m pregnant and have been craving hamburger helper but my conscience wouldn’t let me buy the boxed junk! This tasted almost exactly the same, just less salty and more healthful. I added diced zucchini to mine and served w a green salad. Very very good!
Thank you so much and I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!! I love sneaking in extra veggies as well!!