hamburger helper from scratch recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best hamburger helper from scratch recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my homemade hamburger helper recipe from scratch. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s a favorite among my kids and husband. It’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

The best part? It’s made entirely from scratch using wholesome ingredients, which I know is a big plus for many of you who are health-conscious like me. I remember when I first made this recipe, I was amazed by how much my family enjoyed it.

They would devour the entire plate in one sitting, asking for more. That’s when I knew I had created something special. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe a few times to get it just right.

The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious and filling. One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it for a quick weeknight dinner or serve it at family gatherings and parties.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe. They get to mix and stir the ingredients, and they’re always eager to taste the finished product. The original Hamburger Helper recipe is quite processed and high in sodium, which can be a concern for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

By making it from scratch, we can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into it, making it a healthier option for our families.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

4.5 from 1446 votes

A from-scratch version of the classic one-pot pasta dish with seasoned ground beef and tender elbow macaroni in a creamy tomato sauce. This comforting meal comes together quickly using pantry staples and delivers rich, savory flavor without any processed mixes.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Meat

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 cups water

For the Sauce Base

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.
4Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to coat evenly.
6Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7Add the milk, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine.
8Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and 2 cups of water.
9Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
10The sauce should be thick and creamy.
11Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
12Let it sit covered for 2 minutes until the cheese melts, then stir gently to incorporate.
Serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Box grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheddar. You can also add a handful of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Hamburger Helper Works

This homemade hamburger helper recipe from scratch is a game-changer for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at home or taking it on-the-go, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And with its versatility and ease of preparation, you’ll find yourself making it again and again – no wonder why my family loves it so much! The best part?

You can easily store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburger Helper

Q1: What is hamburger helper made of?

Hamburger helper is a mixture of ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and seasonings that are typically packaged together in a box or bag. However, when you make it from scratch using fresh ingredients, you have complete control over what goes into your dish.

Q2: Is hamburger helper healthy?

Unfortunately, store-bought hamburger helper is not the healthiest option due to its high sodium content and preservatives. However, when you make it from scratch using wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and lean ground beef, you can significantly reduce the unhealthy aspects of this dish.

Q3: Can I customize this recipe?

One of the best things about making hamburger helper from scratch is that you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Feel free to add or substitute different vegetables, meats, or seasonings to create your own unique version.

Q4: How long does hamburger helper take to cook?

The cooking time for this recipe will depend on the method you choose (stovetop or Instant Pot). Generally speaking, it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook on the stovetop and 10-15 minutes in an Instant Pot.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover hamburger helper?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or batch cooking. Simply portion out the leftovers into individual containers or freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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