Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that rivals the classic boxed version, but with fresh ingredients and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family.

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
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once cooked through, remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Mix well, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If liquid runs low before pasta is cooked, add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth as needed.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and heat for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm through. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dish, substitute ground turkey and use half and half instead of heavy cream.
• Add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• Use different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Small pasta shapes like shells or elbow macaroni work best as they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce well.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4.5 from 109 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pan meal featuring ground beef, pasta, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce infused with Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it delivers rich flavors with a homemade touch using simple pantry staples.

• Author: Amy
• 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

Sauce and Seasonings

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Dairy

• 8 oz small pasta shells (or small elbow pasta)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat over medium-high and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Remove beef from pan and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the pan for flavor.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Lower heat to medium. Add diced onion to the pan and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 30 seconds and cook until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce Base: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil to thicken slightly.
4. Add Tomato and Seasonings: Pour in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the pasta and stir well to combine everything. Cover with the lid and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add additional broth if the pasta hasn’t fully cooked and the liquid is low.
5. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts smoothly. Return the cooked ground beef to the pan and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat, let sit a minute for the sauce to thicken, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and smoked paprika for flavor depth.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or increase cooking time uncovered.
• Use low-fat dairy alternatives to reduce fat content if desired.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: hamburger helper, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta, homemade hamburger helper, easy family meal