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4.8 from 97 votes
A plate piled high with hamburger helper and garnished with parlsey.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
 

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is just as easy as the store bought stuff but a whole lot healthier! An easy ground beef recipe that both adults and kids love!

Course: Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy hamburger helper, hamburger helper, healthier hamburger helper
Servings: 6
Calories: 479 kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes
  1. If using a whole wheat elbow pasta you may need to add in more liquid while cooking.  
  2. This recipe is for elbow pasta if using another type of pasta you may need to adjust liquids.
  3. Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.

What to serve with this Homemade Hamburger Helper:

  • Steamed vegetable of choice
  • Simple side salad
  • Fresh fruit of choice
  • Or buttered bread
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Amount Per Serving (1.25 cup (about))
Calories 479 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Cholesterol 92mg31%
Sodium 538mg23%
Potassium 555mg16%
Carbohydrates 40g13%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 34g68%
Vitamin A 640IU13%
Vitamin C 1.3mg2%
Calcium 365mg37%
Iron 2.9mg16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.