I’ve been wanting to create this One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper for a while. This classic meal is nostalgic for me because this was heavy in my Mom’s rotation when I was growing up. She was a single mom who worked long hours and Hamburger Helper was quick, convenient and something we all liked.
While the boxed kind is amazing, it’s also packed with extra ingredients that just aren’t the healthiest. That’s why I wanted to recreate the original Hamburger Helper flavor, but with quality ingredients (like freshly shredded cheddar instead of the powdered stuff in the box).
And even though it’s homemade, it was still important for me to keep this a quick and easy recipe, to replicate the convenience of the original. I think my One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper checks all those boxes! I can’t wait for you to try it. 🙂
WHY YOU’LL LOVE MY HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER
Quick & Convenient – I love how fast this one comes together. Cutting the onion is the only prep work. You can save time by grating your cheese while the pasta is cooking.
Easy Cleanup – Everything cooks in one pot. Cleanup is super easy with this one.
Customizable – Swap the protein, use different cheeses, or sneak in extra veggies for a healthier twist.
Kid-Approved – Noodles, cheese and hamburger meat—a meal that even most picky eaters can enjoy.
WHY IT’S BETTER THAN THE BOX
- Fewer Preservatives & Additives
- Less Sodium & Better Control of Ingredients
- Higher Quality Ingredients
- No Mystery Ingredients
- Better Taste & Customizable Flavors
INGREDIENT LIST
- Lean ground beef – I like to use extra lean, 90% or higher. Use your preference, but if there’s a lot of excess fat left in the pan after browning the meat, just be sure to scoop it out with a spoon before moving to the next step.
- Onion – Adds flavor to the sauce.
- Tomato paste – Adds rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt add just the right flavors to the sauce. A simple yet flavorful blend that gives this dish its classic, savory taste.
- Tomato sauce – Helps to thicken and enrich the sauce.
- Beef broth – Gives the dish a deep, savory flavor while helping to cook the pasta.
- Elbow macaroni pasta – The classic pasta choice for Hamburger Helper that soaks up all the delicious flavors while cooking in the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish. Try to use a better quality cheese and freshly grate it, if you can. (I always grate mine while the pasta is cooking.)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Break up the beef into smaller pieces and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. (About 5-7 minutes or so.) If there’s a lot of excess fat, just scoop it out with a spoon.
Add the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt. Stir everything together and let it cook for just a minute or so, until the tomato paste is more evenly distributed.
Next, add the tomato sauce and the broth. Stir and turn the heat to high. When it starts to boil, add the macaroni pasta and stir again.
Turn the heat down slightly (to about medium-high) and cook the pasta uncovered for about 10-13 minutes, or until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir often.
Once pasta is done, turn off the heat and add the cheese. Stir until it’s melted and fully combined with the sauce. Let it sit for a couple minutes so it can thicken up and serve!
For another delicious one pot meal, try my Creamy Ground Turkey Pasta! It’s one of my personal favorites. 🙂
TIPS & NOTES
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy texture, shred your own cheese.
Make It Creamier – For an extra creamy version, stir in a little sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream at the end.
Customizable – This recipe is so easy to customize. Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a different spin. Or throw in some extra veggies, like bell pepper, spinach and broccoli.
Storing and Reheating – Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. Or, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (I use extra lean, 90% or higher)
- ½ onion diced
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 8 oz macaroni pasta about 2 cups uncooked
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and onion. Break up the beef into smaller pieces and cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. (About 5-7 minutes or so.) If lots of excess fat, just scoop it out with a spoon.
- Add the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt. Stir everything together for just a minute or so, until the tomato paste is more evenly distributed.
- Next, add the tomato sauce and the broth. Stir and turn the heat to high. When it starts to boil, add the macaroni pasta and stir again.
- Turn the heat down slightly (to about medium-high) and cook the pasta uncovered for about 10-13 minutes, or until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir often.
- Once pasta is done, turn off the heat and add the cheese. Stir until it's melted and fully combined with the sauce. Let it sit for a couple minutes so it can thicken up and serve!
- If you make this, it would help me so much if you could give it a quick rating below! Just scroll down and click on the number of stars you rate this. I appreciate it!
