Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (2024)

This delicious, cheesy Homemade Hamburger Helper is one of our favorite easy ground beef recipes for dinner. It’s warm, hearty and so easy to make in less than 20 minutes. You only need a few ingredients!

Why Make Hamburger Helper from Scratch?

I know what you’re thinking… why should I make my own hamburger helper when I can just go buy a box at the store? Well, my version is home cooked, far less processed, just as easy, and complete in 30 minutes. This homemade version of the American classic also makes healthier swaps for some of the original not-so-healthy ingredients, making it something you can feel good about eating, too.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Ingredients

This dish is all about flavor, and that’s where the taco seasoning and chiles come in. The pasta is cooked in the same dish as the meat and spices, allowing all the flavor to soak in. Top it off with the creamy cheese sauce and watch it all disappear!

Here’s what you’ll need for the hamburger pasta:

  • 1 pound of lean hamburger meat
  • 1 package of taco seasoning
  • 2 cups of beef broth
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
  • 1 cup of elbow macaroni

Skip the powdered cheese packet and make your own with these simple ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is one of our favorite hamburger recipes. Start with one pound of lean hamburger meat, browned and drained, and add one package of taco seasoning.

Next add one can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles. You can also just use a can of petite diced tomatoes.

You don’t even have to drain the tomatoes first! Tomatoes are one of our favorite additions to ground beef recipes.

Next add two cups of beef broth. You can also just use water if you don’t have any beef broth.

And one cup of elbow macaroni. You don’t even have to boil the noodles first.

Stir everything combine and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12-14 minutes until the macaroni is tender.

Cheese Sauce for Homemade Hamburger Helper

While that’s simmering, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add 2 tablespoons of flour.

Whisk to combine, and continue to cook, whisking until fragrant and light brown in color, about 5 minutes.

Whisk in 3/4 cup of milk.

And bring the sauce to a boil, and whisk until smooth and thickened.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, and add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Whisk until melted and season with salt and pepper.

I like using this seasoned salt and pepper, but you could definitely use regular salt and pepper.

Here’s what ourHomemade Hamburger Helper looks like after 12-14 minutes. Don’t worry if all the liquid has not been absorbed yet.

Add the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Helper

  • If you aren’t a fan of red meat you can substitute half or all of the ground beef for ground turkey. Just make sure you taste it while it’s cooking to make sure you don’t want to add any additional spices to it.
  • You can easily customize this meal by adding in some of your favorite chopped veggies, like bell peppers, onions or carrots.
  • If you don’t have any beef broth, you can use water as a substitute. Just keep in mind, the broth will make this meal more flavorful.
  • I like using seasoned salt and pepper to give my meal a little extra bang, but regular salt and pepper will work just fine, too.

What to Eat with Hamburger Helper

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is largely a meal in itself, but you can always serve it with a simple side salad, buttery garlic bread, or these yummy Roasted Carrots to help make your meal complete.

How to Store Leftovers

Once cool, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm it up in a skillet or the microwave when you are ready to enjoy again!

You can even double the recipe and store some in the freezer after it cools to have an even easier meal next time. Just wait for it to cool, pack it in a freezer friendly ziptop bag, or cover with foil and place it on a flat surface in the freezer. When you are ready, thaw the hamburger helper in the refrigerator overnight and heat it up in a skillet or in a microwave safe container!

That’s it!! This Homemade Hamburger Helper is hands down one of our favorite easy ground beef recipes. It’s perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners!

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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (18)

Cheeseburger Macaroni (Homemade Hamburger Helper)

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  • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (19) Prep Time: 15
  • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (20) Cook Time: 15
  • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (21) Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (22) Yield: 4 1x
  • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (23) Category: Dinner
  • Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (24) Cuisine: Ground Beef

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Description

A delicious, easy homemade Hamburger Helper recipe you can make in less than 20 minutes with only a few simple ingredients.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean hamburger meat
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 2 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni

FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown and drain hamburger meat. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.

FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE

  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 5 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color. Add the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce.
  3. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.

More Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Crunchy Taco Cups

15 Minute Lasagna Recipe

Cheeseburger Sliders

Lasagna Cupcakes

Cheeseburger Gnocchi

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  • Beef
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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea! (2024)

FAQs

What goes well with hamburger helper for dinner? ›

The best side dishes to serve with Hamburger Helper are mac and cheese, tater tots, blooming onion, zucchini noodles, baked ziti, bacon-wrapped asparagus, garlic bread, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, cheddar biscuits, corn on the cob, wedge salad, and hush puppies.

What else can you put in hamburger helper? ›

Here are some recommended swaps and add-ins you can try: Add a boost of veggies: feel free to throw in shredded zucchini, sauteed chopped red bell pepper, or mushrooms or a few cups of chopped spinach! My kids usually never know that it's in there. Spice it up: if you'd like you can add some red pepper flakes on top.

Is hamburger helper a meal? ›

Hamburger Helper - America's Favorite One Pan Meal.

What can I add to hamburger helper to spice it up? ›

1-2 tbsp fresh minced garlic (add to browning meat) or garlic powder to taste. A few shakes each of Italian Seasoning and black pepper (add to browning meat) For extra cheesy goodness, stir in a couple of handfuls of shredded cheese at the very end of cooking, or top each bowl with some.

How to make Hamburger Helper tastier? ›

Other Additions
  1. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
  2. Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy.
  3. Sour Cream: Makes the sauce creamier.
  4. Heavy Cream: Adds a rich and indulgent creaminess.
  5. Broth or Stock: Instead of water, use beef stock or beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to add depth.
Apr 28, 2024

What's a good side dish with burgers? ›

Think baked beans with extra brown sugar apple cider vinegar, potato salad with fresh seasonal herbs, and a showstopping panzanella that makes the most of the season's tomatoes. Choose your favorite burger-and-fries combination with shoestring, waffle, and wedge recipes.

How to doctor up Hamburger Helper beef pasta? ›

Turn this flavor up even more! Add chopped onions to beef just before simmering. Stir in cooked mixed vegetables before serving.

Why does Hamburger Helper taste different? ›

Hamburger Helper Reformulates Its Box Meals

But faster cooking time isn't the only big change in Hamburger Helper. The company also adjusted sauces, pasta, and flavor ingredients based on consumer feedback. You can expect robust herbs, spices, and flavors in the entire product lineup.

How to thicken up Hamburger Helper? ›

How do you thicken up Hamburger Helper? If your Hamburger Helper is too runny or juicy, the best way to thicken it up is to put the lid on the pan and let the mixture steam for at least five minutes. The macaroni will continue to absorb the liquid and the mixture will become thicker.

Why was Hamburger Helper discontinued? ›

High-end consumers are shifting toward fresher items with fewer processed ingredients while cost-conscious shoppers are buying inexpensive store brands. The makers of staples including Chef Boyardee canned pasta and Hamburger Helper meal kits failed to spot the threat and didn't innovate in time.

Is Hamburger Helper bad for a diet? ›

Why is hamburger helper so bad for you? Hamburger helper isn't terrible for you, but it is loaded with sodium. One serving of hamburger helper has over 650mg of sodium which is about 1/3 of the daily value. Hamburger helper also has many preservatives, which can be avoided by making your own.

How many people will a box of Hamburger Helper feed? ›

2 meals - 1 box: Skillet Prep: Makes 5 1 cup servings + makes 5 1 cup servings = Makes 10 1 cup servings. Better tasting - Even cheesier! Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium fat meat. Carbohydrate Choices: 2.

How to jazz up Hamburger Helper? ›

Add onion to the skillet and cook until tender. Prepare a box of cheeseburger macaroni Hamburger Helper as directed on the box, adding frozen meatballs, a pinch of black pepper, and a 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, top with bacon and a handful of shredded cheese. See the original recipe here.

What pairs well with Hamburger Helper? ›

15 Sides for Hamburger Helper
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon and brown sugar until they're caramelized and crispy. ...
  • Fresh Garden Salad. ...
  • Garlic French Bread. ...
  • Colorful Fruit Salad. ...
  • Buttery Sweet Peas. ...
  • Oven-Roasted Carrots. ...
  • Crispy Onion Rings. ...
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob.
Feb 6, 2024

How do you make Hamburger Helper taste less bland? ›

How do I make Hamburger Helper taste better? Add fresh vegetables to the dish. Brown the ground beef and saute some onions, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and garlic on the side. Make the sauce, add the veggies and simmer until it is done.

What comes with a hamburger Happy Meal? ›

McDonald's Hamburger Happy Meal includes a juicy McDonald's Hamburger with kid-sized World Famous Fries® and Apple Slices. Then pick a kid's drink: 1% Low Fat Milk Jug, Reduced Sugar* Low Fat Chocolate Milk, DASANI® Water, or Honest Kids® Appley Ever After® Organic Juice Drink.

Do mashed potatoes go with Hamburger Helper? ›

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

It's a classic side that complements the heartiness of your hamburger helper, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

What to add to Hamburger Helper stroganoff to make it taste better? ›

Worcestershire sauce: The Worcestershire sauce helps add a depth of flavor to the sauce. You could also substitute coconut aminos or soy sauce. Onions: You can use yellow onions, sweet onions, or even white onions.

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