Homemade Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
5 people
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Calories
595 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper replicates the classic convenience dish by first seasoning and browning ground beef, then creating a creamy sauce from butter, flour, broth blends, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon, and assorted spices. This sauce is slowly combined over medium heat to prevent separation, producing a smooth base. Cooked macaroni is added to complete the dish.
The texture is creamy with tender pasta and well-seasoned beef, enriched by sharp cheddar cheese melted into the sauce. The seasoning blend enhances depth while the combination of beef and chicken broth adds flavor complexity.
This dish serves well as a hearty main course. The recipe advises shredding cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded for better melt quality, and encourages attention to pasta cooking time for desired texture.
Storage tips include refrigerating leftovers for up to three days or freezing up to three months. Frozen portions can be thawed and reheated conveniently, making this recipe suitable for meal prep and quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- salt
- black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half (half milk/half light cream)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ beef bouillon cube see notes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ lb. macaroni equal to 2 cups
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prep Work
- In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. (This is the “Sauce mixture”.) Set it aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
- Begin boiling salted water to cook the macaroni. Proceed with steps below while the water heats up.
Cook the Beef
- Season the ground beef lightly with salt and pepper. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook and crumble until brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain grease and set the ground beef aside.
Make the Sauce
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat and add the flour. Stir to combine, and cook for 2 minutes, or until it begins to turn toasty brown.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Doing this slowly ensures that the roux doesn’t “break” and that the sauce has a uniform consistency. Stir in the beef bouillon.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer uncovered while you boil the pasta.
Boil the Pasta
- Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook until just al dente, set a timer to avoid overcooking. Drain once cooked.
Finish the Recipe
- Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until combined. Add the ground beef back and stir to combine.
- Add the drained macaroni and stir to combine. The consistency may seem thin at first, but the macaroni will continue to absorb the sauce and it will thicken upon standing. Remove from heat and serve!
Notes
- The recipe yields 4 servings and nutritional values are estimates per serving.
- Using a small amount of beef bouillon or additional salt helps deepen flavor but is optional.
- For best texture and melt, shred cheddar cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
- Control sauce temperature when adding cheese to prevent curdling or graininess.
- Use a mix of beef and chicken broth, or all beef broth if preferred, for richer flavor.
- Popular pasta shapes include medium shells, rotini, or bowtie; cook pasta to al dente and avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers store well in airtight containers, refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 3 months for convenient reheating later.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 595 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 595kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 981mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 548mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 775IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 374mg | 37% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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