Homemade Hamburger Helper

This homemade hamburger helper is cheesy, creamy, and packed with beefy flavor. Make it in one skillet in just forty minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Skip the box mix and make this homemade hamburger helper from scratch in just forty minutes. It’s cheesy, beefy, and packed with flavor. Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup stays easy. Even picky eaters ask for seconds when this hits the table.

This recipe is super easy to make—just follow the step-by-step photos and directions below. We also included helpful pro tips and tricks to make it turn out great. Don’t forget to check out the most frequently asked questions and answers at the bottom of the post.

You can make this homemade hamburger helper in forty minutes with simple ingredients and one skillet. It’s cheesy, creamy, and way better than the boxed stuff.

This easy dinner works great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding hungry kids fast. Skip takeout and cook this crowd favorite at home tonight.

What you'll need to make this hamburger helper copycat recipe:

• 1 lb of lean ground beef 
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4 cups beef broth
• ½ cup water
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Give your hamburger helper a new twist by swapping ingredients and adding bold, flavorful extras! Here are some top substitutions and additions ideas:

• Substitute Ground Beef: Try ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter, but still hearty, homemade hamburger helper meal.
• Add Bell Peppers: Stir in chopped bell peppers for extra color, crunch, and flavor in every bite.
• Substitute Elbow Macaroni: Use rotini or shells to change the texture while keeping the creamy sauce delicious.
• Add Shredded Cheese: Mix in sharp cheddar or pepper jack for extra cheesy flavor with a little kick.
• Add Garlic Powder: Sprinkle in garlic powder for more depth and a boost of savory flavor.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures to make this easy homemade hamburger helper from scratch. Check out the tips and tricks below to help it turn out great. Let’s get started and make dinner fast and fun!

FIRST STEP: In a large soup pot (4 to 5.5 quart is good), on medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and garlic. Drain any fat or liquid, there won’t be too much if you’re using lean meat.

SECOND STEP: When the beef is completely cooked, add the beef broth, water, tomato paste, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried parsley, and black pepper. Keep the temperature at medium-high heat. It may look like a lot of liquids, but it’s necessary to cook the pasta properly.

THIRD STEP: Once the beef mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium and add the macaroni.

FOURTH STEP: Let the elbow macaroni cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir often and make certain the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

FIFTH STEP: Once the noodles are tender, remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese, a half cup at a time. Stir well after adding each half cup.

SIXTH STEP: taste the hamburger helper to make certain it is seasoned properly for you and your family. Adjust accordingly.

You can serve this easy hamburger helper recipe in so many fun and easy ways. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or cozy nights at home.

• Serve for busy weeknights: This one-skillet dinner saves time and keeps cleanup simple. Kids love the cheesy pasta, and grown-ups go back for seconds. Try it with corn casserole or fried zucchini.
• Serve at casual get-togethers: Make a big batch and feed a crowd without stress. Everyone grabs a bowl and digs in. Pair it with million dollar mac and cheese or loaded baked potato dip.
• Serve during cold-weather months: Warm, hearty, and comforting—this recipe hits the spot in fall and winter. It tastes even better with potato cheeseburger soup or Taco Bell Mexican pizza.

This homemade hamburger helper recipe has become a go-to for so many families. It’s not just easy—it’s fast, fun, and full of cheesy comfort. Readers keep coming back to this recipe because it hits that perfect mix of flavor, convenience, and crowd-pleasing goodness. Here are the reasons why this easy one-pot meal is a reader favorite:

• Quick and Simple: You only need one skillet and forty minutes, so dinner gets on the table fast without extra cleanup.
• Kid-Approved: Kids always ask for seconds, thanks to the cheesy sauce and tender pasta.
• Budget-Friendly: You can feed the whole family without spending a ton or using hard-to-find ingredients.
• Easy to Customize: Swap the pasta or meat and make it your own without messing up the recipe.
• Comfort Food Classic: It brings back all those cozy childhood dinner vibes but tastes even better homemade.

Readers love how this cheesy hamburger pasta makes dinner easier—and way more fun!

Here are the top questions readers ask when making homemade hamburger helper. These answers will help your dinner turn out just right.

Can I make homemade hamburger helper without milk?
Yes, you can make homemade hamburger helper without milk by using chicken broth or water for a creamy texture with flavor.

Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it?
No, don’t cook the pasta first. The pasta will cook right in the skillet with the beef and sauce.

What kind of cheese works best in homemade hamburger helper?
Sharp cheddar cheese works best in homemade hamburger helper because it melts smoothly and adds a bold, cheesy flavor.

Can I double this hamburger helper recipe?
Yes, you can double this hamburger helper recipe. Just use a large skillet and stir often while it cooks.

How long does homemade hamburger helper take to make?
Homemade hamburger helper takes about forty minutes from start to finish, making it a quick dinner for busy nights.

What’s the best skillet size for this recipe?
Use a twelve-inch, deep skillet for this hamburger helper recipe to hold everything and let the pasta cook evenly.

Do I need to cover the skillet while it simmers?
Yes, cover the skillet while the pasta simmers. This helps it cook evenly and keeps the sauce from drying out.

Can I make this recipe with leftover ground beef?
Yes, you can make this with leftover ground beef. Just heat it first before adding the liquids and pasta.

Why did my sauce turn out too thick?
If your sauce turned out too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it while stirring.

How will I know when the pasta is fully cooked?
You’ll know the pasta is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid has thickened into a cheesy sauce.

What’s the best way to serve homemade hamburger helper at dinner?
Spoon it straight from the skillet into bowls for a hot, hearty meal that’s ready in minutes.

Should I serve homemade hamburger helper with toppings?
Yes, sprinkle shredded cheese or chopped parsley on top for extra flavor and a pop of color.

Can I serve this recipe for a party or potluck?
Yes, serve homemade hamburger helper in a large baking dish to keep it warm and easy for guests to scoop.

Is homemade hamburger helper good for kids?
Yes, kids love the cheesy pasta and beef. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for picky eaters.

Can I serve this recipe for lunch instead of dinner?
Yes, this recipe makes a quick and filling lunch. Just heat and serve whenever you're ready to eat.

Does this recipe work for casual family meals?
Absolutely, homemade hamburger helper is perfect for busy family nights when you want something fast, filling, and easy to make.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to keep your homemade hamburger helper fresh and ready to enjoy again. We’ll show you how to store leftovers the right way, how to freeze and reheat, and how to make sure every bite stays just as tasty.

Can I prepare homemade hamburger helper ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when you're ready to eat.

What’s the best way to store leftover homemade hamburger helper?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within five days for the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze homemade hamburger helper?
Yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to one month.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen hamburger helper?
Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What’s the best way to reheat homemade hamburger helper?
Reheat it on the stove over low heat while stirring. Add liquid if needed to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I use the microwave to reheat hamburger helper?
Yes, microwave leftovers in thirty-second bursts, stirring between each. Keep heating until the dish is hot all the way through.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This homemade hamburger helper is cheesy, creamy, and packed with beefy flavor. Make it in one skillet in just forty minutes.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Beef, Cheesy, Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8

Calories 346 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10 if possible
• 1 tbsp garlic minced
• 4 cup beef broth you can use low sodium
• ½ cup water
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 ½ cup elbow macaroni uncooked
• 2 cup cheddar cheese shredded

DIRECTIONS

 

• In a large soup pot (4 to 5.5 quart is good), on medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and garlic. Drain any fat or liquid (there won’t be much since we’re using lean meat).
• When the beef is completely cooked, add the beef broth, water, tomato paste, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, dried parsley and black pepper. Keep the temperature at medium-high heat. (This may look like a lot of fluids, but it is needed to properly cook the pasta)
• Once the beef mixture reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium.
• Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Stir often and make certain the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Once the noodles are tender, remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese a ½ cup at a time. Stir well after adding each ½ cup.

Notes

• Bouillon cubes can be used, but keep in mind the amount of salt you are putting into the dish. Adding extra salt could make it too salty.
• This recipe can also be adjusted to make Chili-Mac by removing the Worcestershire sauce and adding 1 teaspoon cumin powder and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• Add in some finely chopped carrots, mashed peas, or any other vegetable you want. Your kids will eat more veggies and won't even realize they are doing it!

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 860mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 857IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 237mg | Iron: 3mg

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?Follow me on Pinterest @bestblogrecipes