Homemade Hamburger Helper

What You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Hamburger Helper recipe. (No flavor packets here!) Scroll down to the printable recipe card to find the exact ingredient quantities and full recipe instructions.

• Ground beef – I use an 80/20 blend, which gives awesome beefy flavor and juiciness.
• Onion – Yellow onion adds earthy sweetness and depth to the savory base. Dice it finely so you don’t have big pieces in the finished dish; it should blend in, not stand out.
• Tomato paste – This adds rich and flavorful tomato flavor and so much depth to the dish.
• Seasonings – A combination of savory and warm spices make the overall flavor of this dish really stand out: chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Beef broth – This liquid base is what the pasta cooks in. It infuses the pasta with flavor as it cooks.
• Elbow macaroni – The cooking time for this recipe is based on using elbow macaroni. If you use another pasta shape, you might need to adjust the cooking time.
• Heavy cream – I tested this recipe with a variety of milk and cream, in a variety of quantities. I ultimately settled on just a half cup of heavy cream, for the perfect texture and flavor.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – I also tested different kinds of cheddar and settled on sharp cheddar for a more pronounce flavor that reminded me most of the boxed version. I shred my own cheese from the block for this recipe, so I’m guaranteed the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce. Store-bought shreds have a coating that keeps them from clumping, and this coating also keeps them from melting super smoothly into the sauce.

How to Make Hamburger Helper

Let’s get started! Here’s what you’ll need to do to make this better version of Hamburger Helper.

• Brown the beef and onion. Cook them together in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
• Add the seasonings. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until fragrant.

• Simmer the pasta. Add the beef broth and macaroni, cover, and simmer for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
• Make it creamy. Stir in the heavy cream and let it warm through.

• Add the cheese. Remove from heat, stir in the cheddar, and let the sauce thicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

If you like to switch things up, I have a few ideas to help get you started. Or come up with your own!

• Try another protein. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
• Veg it up. Stir in frozen peas or spinach near the end of the cooking time or add diced bell peppers with the onion and beef.
• Switch up the cheese. Use Colby jack, Monterey jack, or even something like gouda for a different flavor.
• Add a little kick. Toss in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes with the ground beef and onion. Or add some minced jalapeno.

Serving Suggestions

Because this Hamburger Helper is hearty and filling, it goes great with a salad such as this Winter Citrus Salad or fresh greens dressed with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette. For a veggie side, simple Roasted Asparagus always wins!

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
• To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk, broth, or water to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture.