Homemade Hamburger Helper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: This dish is ready in 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.

• One-Pot Wonder: With just one pan, this recipe makes cleanup a breeze.

• Comforting and Hearty: The rich, creamy sauce with melted cheese paired with tender pasta will keep you coming back for more.

• Customizable: You can easily make it gluten-free or add extra heat with some spices for a personalized touch.

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

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta (8 oz is half of a normal 1lb box of pasta)

• ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

1. In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Remove the cooked ground beef from the pan and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

2. Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic for the last 30 seconds.

3. Add the flour and stir to cook for about 1 minute. Slowly stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. If the noodles are not cooked through and you’re running out of liquid, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of broth as needed.

5. Stir in the heavy cream and cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Add back in the ground beef, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes more to reheat the beef.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for a gluten-free version. Add extra broth as needed since gluten-free pasta may take longer to cook.

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. For a Tex-Mex twist, try adding a can of hot Rotel tomatoes.

• Cheese Swap: Swap cheddar for your favorite cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

• Veggies: Add some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or heavy cream to restore creaminess. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the dish.

• Freezing: Though it’s best served fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure the dish cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch. For cornstarch, whisk 2 teaspoons into 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta like elbow macaroni or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or increase the amount of vegetables to make it vegetarian.

How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

You can add more spices like red pepper flakes for heat or a bit of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef in this recipe.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks, and if you notice it starting to stick, add a little more broth to keep things moist.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled to serve a larger group. Just make sure you use a large enough pan or pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a bit of extra liquid to keep it creamy.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but fresh shredded cheese melts much better and creates a smoother sauce.

How spicy can I make this?

You can adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your preferred heat level.

Conclusion

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is the perfect weeknight dinner: quick, hearty, and oh-so-creamy. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, and a cheesy, tomato-infused sauce makes this meal irresistible. With the ability to customize the dish with different spices or make it gluten-free, it’s sure to become a family favorite.