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 RecipeIngredients
- 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
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.
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
19 Comments
patrick@looneyforfood.com
May 8, 2018 at 4:39 PMSounds and looks comforting! I did a healthy hamburger helper recipe in my newsletter. Its always a crowd pleaser.
Kelly
May 10, 2018 at 6:33 AMThanks Patrick! I will have to check out your recipe and make that one for me then 🙂 XOXO
heather (delicious not gorgeous)
May 8, 2018 at 7:37 PMoooh this looks so tasty and cozy! and all that melty cheddar- mmmmm.
Ashika | Gardening Foodie
May 9, 2018 at 3:31 AMI 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 🙂
Kelly
May 10, 2018 at 6:34 AMThank you Ashika! I am glad you can totally relate! I hope you give this recipe a try! XOXO
GiGi Eats Celebrities
May 9, 2018 at 8:26 PMI 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!!
Kelly
May 10, 2018 at 6:35 AMI 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
Maria Doss
May 10, 2018 at 6:19 AMThis 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 ….
Kelly
May 10, 2018 at 6:36 AMThanks Maria! I tried to get away with eating cookies for dinner every night….but….hahahah just kidding 🙂 Have a great weekend! XOXO
Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess
May 12, 2018 at 6:55 AMYum! My whole family would love this! I could live on baked treats, but I love all food! ha! 🙂
Kelly
May 15, 2018 at 8:58 AMHahahaha we are so much alike Kim!! I could just eat cookies for dinner 😉 But the boys need something heartier, like this 😉 hehehe XOXO
Amy (Savory Moments)
May 12, 2018 at 10:36 AMLooks perfect! It’s been a while since I’ve made this, but I need to – my twins would LOVE it!
Kelly
May 15, 2018 at 8:59 AMThanks Amy! This is definitely a family favorite and so easy! XOXO
P~
May 15, 2018 at 3:55 AMI love recipes like this, Kelly! Ban the box! This sounds great! <3
Kelly
May 15, 2018 at 8:59 AMThanks P~!! And I agree! So much better than the box version! XOXO
Amy
May 15, 2018 at 10:58 PMAnother 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.
Kelly
May 16, 2018 at 6:22 AMThanks Amy!! I am such a fan of these quick and easy dinner recipes 🙂 Have a great week!! XOXO
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
May 27, 2018 at 7:01 AMThanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner link up!
Jan Thomas
March 4, 2019 at 3:25 AMAnd I recognize all the ingredients in your version! Thanks for sharing on our pasta party for Celebrate 365 Blog Party!