Ground beef and pasta are simmered in rich cheesy sauce for an easy one-pan meal.
Ingredients in Hamburger Helper
Hamburger helper is an easy recipe and this homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s budget-friendly and reheats well so double up for easy meals throughout the week. Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef (80/20) for the best flavor and drain any fat after cooking. If using ground turkey or ground chicken; add additional seasoning as needed. Pasta – Choose small to medium size pasta like shells, elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini. Depending on the type of pasta, you may need a little bit more or less broth and/or cooking time. Liquid – Broth and tomato paste add flavor while milk makes it creamy. Replace beef broth with chicken broth if needed. Seasonings – I add chili powder and onion powder. Feel free to add some garlic powder, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs to make your own version of hamburger helper. Cheese – Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor (pre-shredded works just fine in this recipe).
Variations and Additions
Cook fresh onions and/or garlic when browning the beef. Stir in fresh veggies like diced celery, chopped tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms. Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream in place of some of the milk for added richness. Stir in ½ cup of sour cream after removing from the heat for a little tang.
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
This is a homemade versoin of a childhood favorite and is loved by kids and adults alike!
Leftover Hamburger Helper
Keep leftover hamburger helper in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for 4 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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