best homemade hamburger helper recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best best homemade hamburger helper recipe

I’ve been making this homemade hamburger helper recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a healthier alternative to the boxed version.

The original recipe is from the 1950s, and it’s been adapted and modified over the years to make it more palatable and nutritious. One of the things I love about this recipe is the simplicity of its ingredients and the ease of preparation. You can whip up this meal in under 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.

My family loves the flavor of this dish, which is a combination of ground beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a hearty meal that fills everyone up without feeling too heavy or greasy. The best part about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of ground meat.

I’ve tried using turkey and chicken in place of beef, and both work beautifully. This recipe has become a tradition in our household, and I’m happy to share it with all of you so you can enjoy it as well. My kids have grown up on this dish, and they still ask for it all the time.

It’s a testament to how good it tastes and how versatile it is.

Best Homemade Hamburger Helper

4.7 from 1294 votes

A comforting one-pot pasta dish with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and a creamy cheddar sauce. This homemade version is quick, easy, and far more flavorful than the boxed mix.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
4Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the drippings.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
7Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
8Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce, then stir well to combine.
9Add the paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
10Stir to incorporate the spices.
11Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
12Stir everything together.
13Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer gently.
14Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
15The sauce should be thick and creamy.
16Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
17Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
18Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven with lid
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and reduced-fat cheese. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Best Homemade Hamburger Helper Works

This homemade hamburger helper recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and we always have leftovers because everyone loves it so much.

You can store leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

When reheating leftovers make sure to add some water or broth to prevent drying out.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Helper

Q: What is hamburger helper?

Hamburger helper is a type of comfort food that originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It typically consists of ground meat, usually beef or turkey, mixed with pasta, vegetables, and a blend of herbs and spices.

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