Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors. It combines ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and return the pot to the heat.
2. Step 2: Add the beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Step 4: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added veggies, mix in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the beef and onions.
• Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.
• Swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while simmering.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe without dairy?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk and substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. You can also omit the sour cream or replace it with a dairy-free version for a completely dairy-free dish.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers all the cozy flavors of the classic boxed version but made from scratch with fresh ingredients.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• ½ cup sour cream

Seasoning and Pasta

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and aromatics: In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then return the pot to the heat.
2. Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the beef broth, milk, and tomato sauce. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
3. Bring to a boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring it’s bubbling gently.
4. Cook macaroni: Add the dry elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture and stir. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Finish with cheese and sour cream: Remove the lid and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• Use whole milk or 2% milk for creamier texture; skimming fat from the beef thoroughly helps reduce greasiness.
• Adding fresh parsley or chives as garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta with beef, one pot meal, skillet dinner