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This easy, cheesy homemade hamburger helper is a one-pot meal ready in just 30 minutes Every bite features tender pasta and savory ground beef smothered in a rich creamy tomato and cheese sauce This homemade version brings all the nostalgic flavors of the boxed kind but with a richer fresher taste
Prefer to use your instant pot Check out the instant pot version You may also love the copycat stroganoff variation
Key Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Prefer lean ground beef but any ground meat like turkey or chicken will work Drain excess grease if using fattier cuts
- All-Purpose Flour: See cook’s notes for gluten free option
- Small Pasta Shells: Works well with elbow macaroni Use small bite-sized pasta for best pasta to sauce ratio
- Heavy Cream: Gives creamiest results half and half or evaporated milk can substitute
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese Avoid pre-shredded with anti-caking agents which thicken sauce more Add extra cream or broth if needed
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
This version is ready in a few quick steps Have ingredients ready as it moves fast Scroll to the recipe card for full instructions and video
- Add tomato sauce and seasonings to broth
- Add noodles and cook until tender
- Beef:
- Brown ground beef over medium-high heat Set aside reserving 2 tablespoons of grease in skillet
- Sauté:
- Cook onion until soft about 5 minutes Add garlic last 30 seconds
- Roux:
- Add flour stir and cook 1 minute to make roux Slowly stir in beef broth bring to boil
- Pasta:
- Add tomato sauce seasonings and pasta Stir cover and simmer 15 minutes until pasta is tender
Melt in heavy cream and cream cheese
Add cooked ground beef back to skillet with pasta and cheese sauce
- Cream:
- Stir in cream and cheese until melted
- Add Beef:
- Cook for 5 minutes until warmed through
- Enjoy:
- Season with salt and pepper Serve immediately
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Chef’s Tips and Variations
Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella Monterey Jack smoked gouda white cheddar or pepper jack for a kick Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes hot sauce or cayenne for heat Tex-Mex version uses hot Rotel Add Veggies: Finely chopped carrots spinach or peas add nutrition Sour Cream: Stir in ½ cup sour cream before serving for creamier sauce Make Double: Use large deep pot to double or triple Gluten Free: Use gluten free pasta swap flour for cornstarch Cook longer with extra broth Thicken with cornstarch slurry after pasta cooks
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What to Serve with Hamburger Helper
Hearty dish doesn’t require sides but pairs well with Greek salad cucumber tomato salad sautéed green beans or Brussel sprouts Garlic bread or garlic knots soak up sauce
How To Store Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days Reheat in microwave or stovetop with splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess
Add Extra Broth If Needed
If noodles are not fully cooked and liquid is low add ¼ to ½ cup extra broth as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of ground meat works best?
Lean ground beef is preferred for the best flavor and texture, but ground turkey or chicken can also be used as alternatives.
- → Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta. Cooking times may vary slightly.
- → How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Use heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the creamiest, richest sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese to prevent thickening issues.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, finely chopped carrots, spinach, or peas can be stirred in for extra nutrition and color.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with fresh salads like Greek or cucumber tomato salad, sautéed green beans, or garlic bread to complement the creamy pasta.