Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This homemade hamburger helper is a comforting and easy one-pan meal that combines savory ground beef with tender pasta in a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a delicious dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 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
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the meat and onion mixture and stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the pasta to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook on low until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Step 7: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use ground turkey and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Try adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Storage

Store leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can swap the small pasta shells for any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring ground beef simmered with pasta in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this version uses simple pantry ingredients to deliver the creamy, flavorful goodness of the classic boxed dish but without any unnecessary preservatives or additives.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquids

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half

Pasta and Cheese

• 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Flour and Seasonings: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked meat mixture and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce later. Then, add the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth) and tomato sauce. Stir to blend everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the pasta shells. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
4. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream (or half and half) to add creaminess. Then, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• For a lower-fat version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Homemade Hamburger Helper, Ground Beef Pasta, One-Pan Meal, Cheesy Pasta, Weeknight Dinner