Do you remember those comforting and creamy dinners from your childhood — the ones that filled the house with inviting aromas and filled your belly with warmth? This Homemade Hamburger Helper does just that, offering a nostalgic taste with a fresh, homemade twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: The combination of savory beef, delicious pasta, and creamy sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or to use what’s available in your pantry.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and affordable meats means great taste without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Hamburger Helper requires simple ingredients that work in harmony to deliver those classic, much-loved flavors. Each component plays an important role in creating the creamy, savory delight.
- Lean ground beef: Opt for quality to enhance the flavor and reduce excess grease.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet undertone and depth to the dish.
- Garlic clove: A pinch of bold aromatic flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Enhances the savory taste without overwhelming with salt.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a rich, acidic balance to the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend that ties all the elements together.
- Seasoned salt and smoked paprika: Add complexity and a gentle smoky hint.
- Small pasta shells: This choice of pasta captures the sauce effortlessly, making each bite delightful.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly creamy texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a luscious, cheesy finish that clings to every pasta shell.
Variations
The beauty of this Homemade Hamburger Helper is its versatility! Feel free to play around with ingredients and techniques to make it perfectly suited to your taste buds and dietary requirements.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or increase the veggie content for a lighter meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a bit of heat.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef
In a large sauté pan with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium high heat, then set aside on a plate after reserving some of the drippings in the pan for richness and flavor.
Step 2: Cooking the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic in for the last thirty seconds to avoid burning.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the all-purpose flour, cooking for a minute before gradually incorporating the beef broth. This forms a thickened base. Bring it to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flavors and Pasta
Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir well, cover, and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and add more broth if needed until the pasta is cooked.
Step 5: Cream and Cheese Finish
Stir in the cream and cheddar cheese until melted, then reintroduce the browned beef. Let it all meld together for a few more minutes before serving warm.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the beefy flavor remarkably.
- Texture Savvy: Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest melting experience.
- Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream to cater to your preferred sauce consistency.
- Customize Your Pasta: Any short pasta shape works; each brings its unique texture and feel.
How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan for an elegant hint of flavor and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
Serve with a green salad or steamed broccoli to round out the meal with some refreshing, crisp veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop into individual bowls and top with additional cheese, then briefly place under the broiler for a deliciously bubbly, golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Homemade Hamburger Helper cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to portion it out in freezer-safe bags or containers for easy reheating later.
Reheating
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a touch of broth or milk if it becomes too thick. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different meat for the Homemade Hamburger Helper?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be excellent alternatives if you’re looking to mix things up.
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What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?
Small shells or elbow pasta are ideal, but any short pasta that holds sauce well will work beautifully.
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How can I make this dish healthier?
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative like evaporated milk or Greek yogurt.
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What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary will give you a homemade equivalent of Italian seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of how delightful simple, home-cooked food can be. Give it a try, and let your family enjoy this comforting classic made from your own kitchen.
Print
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, all cooked together to create a delicious and filling meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dry Goods and Spices
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Canned and Dairy Products
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, or half and half
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid and Seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth
Additional Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Meat: In a large sauté pan with a lid, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Remove the cooked beef and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. During the last 30 seconds, add the minced garlic and cook fragrant.
- Add Flour and Create a Base: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pasta. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover with a lid and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If necessary, add an extra ¼ to ½ cup broth to prevent sticking or if noodles are not fully cooked.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Reintroduce the cooked ground beef and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and blend flavors.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of broth to loosen when reheating.
- Feel free to substitute the pasta with gluten-free options if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
