One pot and under 30 minutes? Yes! This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a fast dinner option that’s satisfying, comforting, and so darn delicious.
It’s easier than I realized to recreate Hamburger Helper at home, or to just try a homemade version of this popular option if you’ve not had it before. This skillet meal is great for those nights when you want fewer pots to wash in an easy weeknight dinner—and also want a crowd-pleaser.
This pasta recipe for kids has it all: protein, comfort, cheesiness, and an easy method. You can add veggies if you want, you can swap in vegetarian ingredients to make this without meat, and you can make it ahead to serve it up at a later time.
(You may also like my Cheeseburger Pasta, which is also made in one-pot, and my Ground Beef Pasta, Chicken Cooked in Tomato Sauce, and this easy Pasta Salad with Chicken.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this recipe so you know what to have on hand or pick up from the store.
- Olive oil: I like to sauté ground beef in a little olive oil (or you can use butter) to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Ground beef: You can use any type of ground beef you prefer. The only difference will be a potential need to drain the pan if you use a ground beef with a higher percentage of fat.
- Onion: I like to grate a small onion into the mixture to add flavor without having tiny pieces of onion in the mixture, which can be off putting to some kids.
- Tomato paste: This concentrated paste adds rich tomato flavor and helps the result taste like the classic Hamburger Helper recipe.
- Garlic powder and chili powder: A combination of these spices adds flavor (without heat) to the pasta and beef mixutre.
- Elbow macaroni: I love using this classic pasta shape in this dish so it looks like it always has and because this type of pasta cooks through really quickly.
- Beef broth: You can use regular or reduced-sodium beef broth to complement the flavor of the beef. This is what the pasta cooks in, so it adds a lot of flavor. Feel free to use chicken stock if that’s what you have.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is stirred into the pan towards the end of the process and helps the mixture be cheesy and delicious. You can use white or yellow cheddar, sharp or mild, according to what your family prefers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make this recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including amounts of ingredients and the timing.
- Set a large pot over medium heat. Cook the beef and onions.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until tender.
- Once the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the cheese to melt. Serve.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, sprinkle with water and cover with a plate or wax paper and warm for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this with a simple side of fruit or try my Cinnamon Apples, Fruit Cup, or Easy Roasted Broccoli.
Best Tips for Success
- Use lean ground beef if desired, or drain off any excess fat once the meat is done cooking.
- Add 8 ounces tomato sauce at the end of cooking for a more robust tomato flavor.
- Top with minced fresh parsley if desired.
- Use a favorite gluten-free pasta: the one from Barilla works particularly well in this recipe.
- Omit the beef to make this vegetarian and sub fully cooked brown lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
- For another easy skillet meal, try my Skillet Lasagna.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe, so please comment below to share.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (peeled and grated)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pasta, such as elbow macaroni
- 1 quart beef broth (reduced sodium if desired)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Set a large pot over medium heat. Add the oil to warm. Then, add the beef and onions and cook until the beef has browned, about 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the beef broth and turn the heat to high. When it boils, reduce to medium so the liquid simmers with steady but calm bubbles. (So just not vigorously.)
- Add the pasta to the pot and stir gently.
- Cook until the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, or for about 14-16 minutes. It's OK if there's some liquid remaining, as it will be absorbed as the pasta sits.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese to melt.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, sprinkle with water and cover with a plate or wax paper and warm for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
- Use lean ground beef if desired, or drain off any excess fat once the meat is done cooking.
- Add 1 cup finely diced mushrooms to the pan with the onion and beef to easily add a veggie.
- Add 8 ounces tomato sauce at the end of cooking for a more robust tomato flavor.
- Top with minced fresh parsley if desired.
This recipe has become a staple in our house! The last few times I haven’t had mushrooms so I’ve added a cup of mixed frozen veggies and it’s delicious!
So glad to hear it!
Simple to make and delicious.
I didn’t have beef broth on hand or tomato paste so I used chicken broth like she suggested and just added some spaghetti sauce at the end. The entire family loved it and I loved how easy it was. I will definitely be making it soon served with crescent rolls 😋
This was so good! I’ve tried similar recipes and they were flops. Approved by husband and kiddo and there was no kitchen mess.
So glad to hear that!
This is so simple yet so good! My entire family likes it, including the fickle toddler baby 🙂
I made it with Jovial gluten free pasta and used the entire block of Cabot cheddar. I did end up adding an extra tablespoon of tomato paste at the end as suggested. Somehow overlooked the addition of mushroom so I’ll have to add that in next time for an easy veggie win. Thanks for this recipe! 😋
Way too much liquid!! 1 qt = 4 cups! After you’re done with your 15 minutes it’s still enough liquid left to call it a soup! For anyone making this recommend max 3 cups of broth probably somewhere between 2 and 3 is right.
It’s interesting that you had that experience since I’ve tested this a lot and it works well, and I haven’t heard that from anyone else. But I’d love to know if you made any changes to the recipe and if it thickened up after you thought it might not. Thanks!
We love this meal! Such a great way to make this recipe! Plus my toddler loves to help cook this one.
I’m so glad!
My almost 2 year old son and my husband both loved it!!
I think it’s actually easier than Hamburger helper from the box, and definitely tastier. I added mushrooms as recommended in the notes.
Delicious for the whole family. Used ground venison instead of beef. Great recipe for those looking to clear out some space in the deep freezer before this year’s harvest.
Just made this tonight and it was so yummy! Even my picky 2.5 year old ate it because it was noodles. I love that it has mushrooms in it. Both my toddler and my husband think they don’t like mushrooms but neither noticed them :). Will definitely be making this again.
Can I freeze this?
Sure!
Can I use a different pasta than elbow macaroni. Can I use scooby doo noodles (curly ones)? Would I just add more liquid?
Sure. I would use the same amount and at the end of the cooking time, if they are still a little firm, add a little more liquid.
Amazing!!! My fussy toddler and husband loved this pasta. Fantastic. Thank you.
Can I use more than 2 cups of pasta? Doesn’t seem like that would feed a whole family.
It does make an ample amount due to the volume of the other ingredients, but if you want to double the pasta, double everything but the meat and use a large pot. Enjoy!
Super easy and tasty. Added kidney beans for my crew to stretch a little further. Will definitely make again
Can confirm this taste like the real deal with gluten free pasta and Violife cheddar cheese. So impressed!