Homemade Hamburger Helper
Skip the box and make the best Homemade Hamburger Helper using simple pantry ingredients and real cheese. This comforting one-pot meal is rich, savory, and ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
⭐ Why This Homemade Hamburger Helper Is Better
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One pan, easy cleanup
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No preservatives or artificial flavors
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Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying
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Budget-friendly & kid-approved
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Customizable with your favorite add-ins
π₯© Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if beef is lean)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 cups beef broth
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1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp mustard powder (classic flavor)
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1½–2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
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¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, extra creaminess)
π² How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
1. Brown the Beef
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Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
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Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Build Flavor
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Add onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
3. Cook the Pasta
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Pour in beef broth and milk.
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Stir in macaroni, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
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Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
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Reduce heat to low.
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Stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted.
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Add heavy cream or sour cream if using.
5. Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or extra cheese.
π₯ Pro Tips for Best Results
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Shred your own cheese for smooth melting
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Simmer gently to prevent curdling
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Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving to thicken sauce
π§ Variations & Add-Ins
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Cheeseburger Style: Add diced pickles and a splash of ketchup
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Healthier Option: Use ground turkey and whole wheat pasta
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Spicy Version: Add cayenne or chili flakes
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Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers
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Extra Cheesy: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby
π§ Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days
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Reheat gently with a splash of milk
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Not ideal for freezing due to dairy sauce
π Final Thoughts
This Homemade Hamburger Helper delivers classic comfort food flavor—creamier, fresher, and better than boxed. It’s a reliable go-to dinner that your whole family will request again and again.
OTHER RECIPES
Hamburger Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (sometimes I use only ½ lb)
- ½ cup onions, diced
- 1 tablespoon butter, optional
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt or seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon oregano
- ¾ teaspoon parsley
- ¾ garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Brown ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until almost done.
Add in onions and cook until tender.
Drain meat & onions on paper towels and return to skillet.
Add remaining ingredients except for the cheese.
Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Sauce may be thin.
Let pasta sit to thicken the sauce, meanwhile adjust seasonings if needed.
Serve and enjoy the hamburger..






