Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper (One-Pot 30-Minute Meal)
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When life gets hectic and I need a quick, comforting dinner, this Homemade Hamburger Helper is always my go-to recipe. It’s an easy one-pot meal that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Made with ground beef, onions, tomato paste, and a simple blend of pantry spices, every bite is packed with hearty, savory flavor.
I toss in elbow pasta and beef broth, let it simmer until everything’s tender, then stir in a generous helping of cheddar cheese for that classic, creamy finish. If you’re craving a nostalgic, from-scratch version of the boxed favorite, this homemade ground beef pasta recipe hits the spot every time. It’s cheesy, family-friendly, and perfect for when you need a quick dinner that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Quick and Easy: This meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and satisfying.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks together in one pot, so you can spend less time washing dishes.
- Comforting Flavor: With ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a blend of spices, this dish offers that classic comfort food taste that’s both hearty and delicious.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, beefy goodness is always a hit with kids and picky eaters alike, making it a family favorite.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the seasonings or add veggies to suit your taste, making this a versatile dish that you can make your own.
Ingredients Needed To Homemade Hamburger Helper
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Tomato paste
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground mustard
- Pasta (such as elbow)
- Beef broth
- Cheddar cheese
How To Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is fully browned.
- Stir in the tomato paste and seasonings.
- Add the pasta and beef broth, then stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and mix in the cheddar cheese.
- Serve and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How can I store leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make Homemade Hamburger Helper ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Simply cook it as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How do I reheat Homemade Hamburger Helper?
For best results, reheat the dish on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick. If reheating from frozen, defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely substitute the cheddar cheese with another type of cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different cheeses might melt differently and could slightly alter the flavor.
What can I serve with Homemade Hamburger Helper?
This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to make it a more complete meal.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious. Just make sure to cook the poultry thoroughly.
Variations on Homemade Hamburger Helper
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Swap the tomato paste for a little ketchup and mustard and add pickles or pickle juice at the end for that classic cheeseburger flavor. Great for fans of boxed Hamburger Helper-style meals.
Creamy Mushroom & Beef Helper
Replace tomato paste with cream of mushroom soup or sautéed mushrooms and a splash of heavy cream. Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different twist.
Tex-Mex Hamburger Helper
Add taco seasoning instead of standard spices, and stir in black beans, corn, and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Top with shredded Mexican cheese and fresh cilantro.
Low-Carb or Keto Version
Swap the pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles. Use full-fat cheese and heavy cream to keep it keto-friendly and creamy.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach when browning the ground beef. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients without losing flavor.
Turkey or Chicken Helper
Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Swap beef broth with chicken broth to match the flavor.
More One Pan Recipes You’ll Love
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ¼ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- 2 cups pasta, such as elbow
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef. Use your spoon to break it up.
- Once the ground beef is partially cooked add the onion.
- Continue to break up the ground beef until it is cooked all the way through.
- Add all of your seasonings and tomato paste. Stir to combine.
- Add the pasta and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Turn the heat to low and cover.
- Stir occasionally. Allow the hamburger helper to cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
- Enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
Homemade Hamburger Helper is my go-to for those days when I need a hearty meal without fuss. It’s incredibly comforting and just as easy to whip up on a busy weeknight as it is to enjoy on a lazy weekend. Trust me, the cheesy, meaty goodness is sure to make everyone at the table smile. Enjoy every bite!
My family is devouring this right now! Everyone loves it!! Since I’m the only one who is dairy free, I set some aside at the end and added vegan chao cheese into mine and put regular cheese into the rest of it for everyone else. This will definitely be added into our regular rotation!
This came out perfect. We used dairy free cheddar.
I am so happy to hear!! ITs a easy, tasty dinner option
Wry easy to make and turned out great. Definitely a dish that will be in our rotation
Love this!!
Delicious!!!! So much better than the boxed version and so much healthier! Thanks so much for all the great recipes 🙂
You are so welcome
absolutely delicious and so easy!!🩷🩷
everyone loved it so much!!!🥰🩷