Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 3 votes

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Make this easy homemade hamburger helper, one of my childhood favorites, using simple ingredients. Cheesy pasta and saucy beef come together in an easy one pot dinner the whole family will love!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 487 kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for spice (optional)
  • 3 cups beef broth low sodium
  • 2 cups macaroni pasta uncooked
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot or dutch oven, add the grounded beef and cook over medium-high heat until browned, stirring and breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon or spatula.
  2. Drain the grease into a colander over a bowl and place the drained meat in a bowl.
  3. In the same pot, add the onions and reduce to medium heat. Sauté for 3-5 minutes just until the onions become translucent and soften.
  4. Then add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
  5. Return the cooked beef back into the pot and add the tomato paste, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine completely.
  6. Slowly add in the beef broth and stir until combined.
  7. Increase the heat to high and to a boil. Then add in the macaroni noodles.
  8. Reduce the heat down to a low and simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta reaches desired doneness, stirring occasionally.
  9. Remove the pot from the heat and then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated cheese and stir until melted
  10. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey or ground chicken.
  • Use a different noodle like shells, penne pasta, egg noodles or curly fusilli noodles.
  • Use another type of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey jack or Colby jack or a blend of couple of cheeses.
  • Add in some favorite veggies like green peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or red bell peppers.
  • Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • Swap the Italian seasoning for ½ teaspoon of basil and ½ teaspoon of oregano.
  • Shred the cheese off a block instead of using pre shredded packaged cheeses for the creamiest melting cheese. The prepackaged cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as well.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 487kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 32g (64%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 107mg (36%) Sodium 815mg (34%) Potassium 584mg (17%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1031IU (21%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 317mg (32%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 487

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 487kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 32g 64%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Sodium 815mg 34%
Potassium 584mg 12%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1031IU 21%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 317mg 32%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.