This Homemade Hamburger Helper has all the nostalgic flavor of the classic boxed version — but made completely from scratch with real ingredients and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. Even better? It’s a quick one-pot dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
A rich, cheesy sauce coats tender pasta and savory ground beef for a meal that’s pure comfort in every bite. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to bring back those childhood memories — only tastier!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Made from scratch: No mystery powder packets — just real cheese and cream.
- Family-approved: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef: I like to use lean ground beef (85–90%), but you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken.
Pasta: Classic elbow macaroni or small pasta shells work beautifully — use what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream: This creates the velvety, luscious sauce. Half-and-half or evaporated milk also work in a pinch.
Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture. Sharp cheddar gives that iconic tangy flavor.
Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the cheesy sauce, just like the original Hamburger Helper — only better!
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Build the Sauce:
Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth and slightly thickened. - Add Pasta & Seasonings:
Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, and pasta. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. If the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is done, add ¼–½ cup extra broth. - Make it Creamy:
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked beef back in and stir to combine. - Rest & Serve:
Let the skillet sit for 1–2 minutes before serving — this allows the sauce to thicken and cling perfectly to the pasta.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Helper
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue to absorb sauce as it rests.
- Add veggies: Sneak in spinach, peas, or grated carrots for a nutrition boost.
- Mix up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend for variety.
- Tex-Mex twist: Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and add a can of Rotel for a spicy kick!
- Extra creamy? Stir in ½ cup sour cream right before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Note: Freezing isn’t recommended as the pasta can become mushy once thawed.
What to Serve With It
This hearty dish can stand on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread or garlic knots 🥖
- A crisp green salad 🥗
- Sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts 🌿
Variations to Try
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter version that’s still flavorful.
- Different Pasta Shapes: Rotini, penne, or cavatappi all work well.
- Add a Kick: Hot sauce or red pepper flakes for spice lovers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and whisk 2 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp broth to thicken the sauce.