Homemade Hamburger Helper

If you grew up on the classic boxed Hamburger Helper, this homemade version is about to become your new go-to.

It’s got all the nostalgia you crave — creamy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef — but made fresh with real ingredients and rich, satisfying flavor.

The best part? It all comes together in just one pot and under 30 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight meal for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who just wants something fast and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Helper from Scratch

This isn’t just another pasta and beef dish. It’s a creamy, cheesy comfort bomb that delivers on all fronts:

One-pan simplicity – Less cleanup, more relaxation after dinner.
Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for hectic evenings or last-minute dinners.
Ultra creamy – Thanks to ½ cup of heavy cream and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Budget-friendly – Uses pantry staples like pasta, tomato sauce, and broth.
Family-approved – A surefire hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a quick and comforting skillet dinner, gather the following:

1 pound ground beef – Lean is best, but any will do.
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps create a roux to thicken the sauce.
2 cups beef broth – Or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce – Adds rich tomato flavor.
8 oz small pasta shells – Or elbows; just use a small pasta shape.
½ cup heavy cream – The key to that velvety, restaurant-worthy sauce.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Freshly shredded melts best.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper – Step by Step

This dish moves quickly, so prep your ingredients before you start cooking!

1. Brown the Beef

In a large sauté pan with a lid, cook 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Remove the beef and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan for flavor.

2. Sauté Onions & Garlic

Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

3. Make the Roux

Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir to coat the onions, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and bring to a gentle boil.

4. Add Pasta & Sauce

Stir in:

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, seasoned salt
8 oz pasta shells

Cover the skillet and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of broth as needed.

5. Finish with Cream & Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in:

½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Let everything melt together into a creamy, golden sauce.

6. Return the Beef & Serve

Add the ground beef back to the pan and stir to heat through, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Tips & Variations

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or use pepper jack cheese.
Add veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or diced carrots during the pasta step.
Change up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, white cheddar, gouda, or a combo!
Gluten-free option: Use GF pasta and swap flour for 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.
Double it up: Use a large pot or Dutch oven if you want to meal prep or feed a crowd.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Homemade Hamburger Helper

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but here are a few easy sides if you want to round out the meal:

Garlic bread or knots – Great for soaking up extra sauce.
Cucumber tomato salad – Fresh and acidic to balance the richness.
Sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli – To sneak in some greens.
Greek salad – For a refreshing contrast.

Final Bite

Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or simply looking for a quick, hearty meal, this homemade hamburger helper delivers every time. It’s rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying — and once you try it from scratch, there’s no going back to the box.

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