Whip up this quick and extra-cheesy homemade Hamburger Helper in 30 minutes or less, using only one pot! We’ve got tender pasta and savory ground beef coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a guaranteed family favorite that kids will absolutely love!
The Quickest One-Pot Hamburger Helper
Growing up, whenever my mom grabbed a box of Hamburger Helper from the pantry, we all were excited! Nowadays, it’s a taste of nostalgia for me. However these days, I like to make it from scratch. Of course, I make sure to keep it just about as easy as the boxed version! It’s fun to see my kids enjoy it as much as I did back then.
This homemade version is extra cheesy, bursting with beefy flavor, and packed with tender pasta. It’s a staple for our family on busy weeknights, and I can’t complain because it’s a breeze to make!
Here’s What To Expect From This Recipe
- Fast prep: This dish can be on the table in about 30 minutes–or less.
- One-pot: Cook everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup. Cheers to that!
- Satisfying: Packed with ground beef and cheese, it’s a meal sure to satiate!
- Made from scratch: Prepared with fresh and real ingredients. No packets of preservatives here!
Homemade Hamburger Helper Ingredients
- Olive oil: Use olive oil for a flavorful base, though any cooking oil will work.
- Lean ground beef (93/7): Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer, but you may need some extra salt or a touch of beef bouillon powder.
- Paprika: Choose sweet or smoked paprika based on your flavor preference.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a convenient (and easy) burst of flavor. Fresh garlic and onions can be used as alternatives, but prep time is longer.
- Dry mustard: A touch of mustard powder adds a subtle tang; feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan.
- Crushed tomatoes: If you only have diced tomatoes, give them a whirl in a food processor or blender first.
- Chicken broth: If you prefer less saltiness, use a low-sodium broth or reduce the amount of added salt.
- Sharp Cheddar cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt.
Quick Tip
What Kind of Pasta to Use
Pasta choice: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for Hamburger Helper due to its shape that perfectly captures the sauce. However, you can experiment with other pasta shapes so long as they list the same cooking time as elbows.
How to make Hamburger Helper:
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil, add lean ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in seasonings. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and pasta.
- Cook: Simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and gradually stir in freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Optionally, garnish with cilantro, and serve immediately.
Storage
Storage and Reheating:
Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, use the stove or microwave. Reheating on low heat and adding a splash or two of broth helps restore creaminess.
Freezer: To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, and then store in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating for the best results.
What To Serve With Hamburger Helper
- Vegetables: A simple garden salad can cut through the richness of Hamburger Helper. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, are also great options.
- Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty French bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit, or a fruit salad, can provide a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic bread: A warm and crispy garlic bread can be a fantastic accompaniment.
- Corn: A side of sweet corn, either on the cob or in a corn salad is perfect if you’re a fan of the classic combination of beef and corn.
Quick Tip
Meal Prep Tip: You can prep in advance by sautéing the ground beef and measuring out the seasonings. Store measured seasonings in zipper-top plastic bags to create your own seasoning packets for future dinners. This makes weeknight meals even quicker and easier!
More One-Pot Dinner Recipes:
- Sausage, Corn, and Spinach Orzo with Italian sausage
- One-Pot Spaghetti with ground meat
- Cabbage, Potatoes, And Sausage all cooked in ONE pan!
- Meatballs and Rice with lots of veggies
- One-Pan Potatoes and Sausage with the best seasoning blend
Hamburger Helper
Equipment
- Large pot and lid
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1½ teaspoon each: garlic and onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon each mustard powder and black pepper
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2½ cups chicken broth (Note 1)
- 9 oz elbow pasta (2 cups) (Note 2)
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese (6.6 oz) (Note 3)
- Optional: finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- BEEF: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp oil over high heat. Add ground beef and allow it to sear about 1 min per side. Break it apart and cook until it's browned all the way through.
- SIMMER: Once the beef is fully cooked, add all the remaining ingredients except the cheese and cilantro. Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer. (You should see it bubbling at the edges.) Reduce the heat to medium and cover pot with a lid.
- COOK: Allow the mixture to cook, covered, for 10-12 minutes. Stir a couple times to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be cooked to al dente, which means it should still be slightly firm. Don't worry if the dish is still saucy at this stage; it will continue to thicken.
- ADD CHEESE: Keep the pot on the stovetop but turn off the heat. Stir the mixture well and gradually add the grated cheese, a handful at a time. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is absorbed into the pasta. Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- ENJOY: If desired, sprinkle finely chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
