Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Hamburger Helper was the first meal I ever made in middle school. I remember feeling so grown in the kitchen, putting together dinner all by myself. That first version had a little help from a box, but now I make it from scratch—and it still has all the cozy, cheesy comfort I loved back then.

This homemade Hamburger Helper is a one-pot meal with ground beef, elbow macaroni, a creamy tomato-seasoned sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and brings that nostalgic, “everybody come get a plate” feeling to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s made in one pot. The macaroni cooks right in the seasoned beef mixture, so there’s less cleanup.
• It’s hearty and comforting. Ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese make a filling family dinner.
• It brings back a classic. This is a homemade take on a childhood favorite, with a flavorful sauce made from scratch.
• It’s easy to make your own. Use the shredded cheese you like best and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ onion, diced
• ½ bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Seasoning salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 1½ cups milk
• 1½ cups water
• 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken bouillon
• 1 teaspoon Knorr tomato bouillon
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded cheese of choice

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

1. In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened. Break up the beef as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and seasoning salt to taste.
3. Stir in the cream cheese and tomato paste until they’re incorporated with the beef.
4. Pour in the milk and water. Add the chicken bouillon and tomato bouillon, then bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
6. Once the macaroni is tender, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Results

• Taste before adding extra salt. The bouillons and seasoning salt both bring saltiness, so taste the beef mixture before adding more.
• Keep the heat low while the pasta simmers. A gentle simmer helps the macaroni cook through without scorching the sauce.
• Give it a stir now and then. This helps the pasta cook evenly and keeps it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Use a cheese that melts well. Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend are all good options.
• Let leftovers loosen up with a splash of milk. The sauce thickens as it cools, so a little milk stirred in while reheating can bring back its creamy texture.

What to Serve with It

This homemade Hamburger Helper is a filling meal on its own. If you’d like to add a side, serve it with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm bread to round out dinner.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a small splash of milk if the pasta has absorbed some of the sauce and needs loosening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but another small pasta shape may work. Since shapes can cook at different rates, check the pasta for tenderness as it simmers.

Why did my sauce get thick?

The macaroni continues to absorb liquid as it cooks and as the dish rests. Stir in a little milk when reheating to make it creamy again.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes. Use a shredded cheese that melts well and suits your taste. Cheddar and Colby Jack are both great choices.

Print

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This homemade Hamburger Helper is a cozy one-pot dinner made with ground beef, onion, bell pepper, elbow macaroni, a creamy tomato-seasoned sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a homemade spin on the nostalgic meal I first made in middle school.

Ingredients

• Ingredients
• * 1 pound ground beef
• * ½ onion diced
• * ½ bell pepper diced
• * 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• * 1 teaspoon onion powder
• * 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• * ½ teaspoon cumin
• * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• * Seasoning salt to taste
• * 1 tablespoon cream cheese
• * 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• * 1½ cups milk
• * 1½ cups water
• * 1 tablespoon Knorr chicken bouillon
• * 1 teaspoon Knorr tomato bouillon
• * 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• * 2 cups shredded cheese of choice

Instructions

1. Instructions
2. Brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add the Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and seasoning salt to taste.
4. Stir in the cream cheese and tomato paste.
5. Add the milk, water, chicken bouillon, and tomato bouillon. Bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.

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