Main Meal/ Savory

Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper, made in one dish and in less than 30-minutes. Ground beef, milk, broth, spices, uncooked macaroni, tomato sauce and cheese are all you need to make this family friendly meal.  So much better than the boxed stuff!!  This is a great weeknight meal to make with very little effort.  For all my busy cooks out there!!

Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Print Recipe
Serves: 6 Cooking Time: 20-minutes

Ingredients

  • 1-1/4 lbs. lean ground beef (I used an 80/20 blend)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1-1/2 cups milk, room temperature
  • 1-1/4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups uncooked small elbow macaroni
  • 1 (8-ounce can) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1

In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. If there is excess grease, drain the grease. Stir in the seasonings, milk, broth, uncooked macaroni, tomato sauce and cornstarch into the ground beef. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat so the mixture reduces to a simmer. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking.

2

Once the macaroni is cooked al dente, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheese. Stir until combined and let set for 5-minutes. Serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

XOXO,

Kelly

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19 Comments

  • Reply
    patrick@looneyforfood.com
    May 8, 2018 at 4:39 PM

    Sounds and looks comforting! I did a healthy hamburger helper recipe in my newsletter. Its always a crowd pleaser.

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 10, 2018 at 6:33 AM

      Thanks Patrick! I will have to check out your recipe and make that one for me then 🙂 XOXO

  • Reply
    heather (delicious not gorgeous)
    May 8, 2018 at 7:37 PM

    oooh this looks so tasty and cozy! and all that melty cheddar- mmmmm.

  • Reply
    Ashika | Gardening Foodie
    May 9, 2018 at 3:31 AM

    I looooooove quick and easy weekday dinner recipes, they are so convenient. Ha ha..I know exactly how you feel, with doing endless amounts of laundry and cooking for my forever hungry three boys as well ( thats 2 sons and husband included 🙂 so recipes like this definitely come in handy. Pinning and saving..Thank you for the great recipe Kelly…Have a great day 🙂

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 10, 2018 at 6:34 AM

      Thank you Ashika! I am glad you can totally relate! I hope you give this recipe a try! XOXO

  • Reply
    GiGi Eats Celebrities
    May 9, 2018 at 8:26 PM

    I wonder if I could make this with spaghetti squash or those no taste yam noodles because I WANNA! I have been craving ALL the meats lately!!

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 10, 2018 at 6:35 AM

      I am thinking we need to collaborate and GiGi-fy this! We could make it was spaghetti squash and vegan cheese….We need to do this!! XOXO

  • Reply
    Maria Doss
    May 10, 2018 at 6:19 AM

    This is such a simple yet comforting meal. Kids will totally go crazy for this for sure Kelly:) And, you are totally right, we can’t live on baked treats alone ….

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 10, 2018 at 6:36 AM

      Thanks Maria! I tried to get away with eating cookies for dinner every night….but….hahahah just kidding 🙂 Have a great weekend! XOXO

  • Reply
    Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess
    May 12, 2018 at 6:55 AM

    Yum! My whole family would love this! I could live on baked treats, but I love all food! ha! 🙂

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 15, 2018 at 8:58 AM

      Hahahaha we are so much alike Kim!! I could just eat cookies for dinner 😉 But the boys need something heartier, like this 😉 hehehe XOXO

  • Reply
    Amy (Savory Moments)
    May 12, 2018 at 10:36 AM

    Looks perfect! It’s been a while since I’ve made this, but I need to – my twins would LOVE it!

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 15, 2018 at 8:59 AM

      Thanks Amy! This is definitely a family favorite and so easy! XOXO

  • Reply
    P~
    May 15, 2018 at 3:55 AM

    I love recipes like this, Kelly! Ban the box! This sounds great! <3

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 15, 2018 at 8:59 AM

      Thanks P~!! And I agree! So much better than the box version! XOXO

  • Reply
    Amy
    May 15, 2018 at 10:58 PM

    Another recipe after my own heart! I love these quick and easy recipes. Homemade hamburger helper is such a good idea. I like baking too, but you are right, we can’t eat cookies for dinner every night. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    • Reply
      Kelly
      May 16, 2018 at 6:22 AM

      Thanks Amy!! I am such a fan of these quick and easy dinner recipes 🙂 Have a great week!! XOXO

  • Reply
    Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
    May 27, 2018 at 7:01 AM

    Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner link up!

  • Reply
    Jan Thomas
    March 4, 2019 at 3:25 AM

    And I recognize all the ingredients in your version! Thanks for sharing on our pasta party for Celebrate 365 Blog Party!

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