This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is an easy one pot dinner that is cheesy, creamy and delicious! A simple family dinner that is on the table in less than 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
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All you need is a few pantry staples, ground beef and shredded cheese to make this easy homemade hamburger helper recipe that is going to be a new family favorite!
Homemade Hamburger Helper Ingredients
- Ground Beef
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Medium Shells Pasta
- Beef Broth
- Milk
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Substitution Suggestions:
- Ground Beef: For a lighter version you can use ground turkey or chicken.
- Medium Shells Pasta: Feel free to use any short cut pasta. Elbow Macaroni Noodles, Rotini, Fusilli, or Small Shells are all good options.
- Beef Broth: You can substitute with water, chicken broth, or water mixed with bullion.
- Milk: Any milk should work, I use 2% cows milk. You can also omit the milk and replace it with more beef broth if you prefer.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses. Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Swiss, Gruyere, Mozzarella, or Colby Jack are all delicious options.
This is a great recipe the whole family is going to enjoy, even those picky eaters! Plus, this homemade version of hamburger helper is so much better than the boxed stuff!
How to Make Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
- In a deep large skillet, crumble and brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Now, add the medium shells pasta, beef broth and milk. Give it all a good stir and pushing the pasta down to be almost fully covered.
- Bring to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked to al dente, and stirring 2-3 times to prevent any sticking to the pan.
- Turn the heat off and stir in the cheese a handful at a time until fully incorporated and melted.
- Serve immediately and go enjoy this homemade meal!
This one-pot meal is total comfort food that the entire family is going to keep asking for again and again. It's such a ridiculously easy meal that you won't mind making this delicious dinner all the time!
What to Serve with Homemade Hamburger Helper
We love to enjoy a simple green side salad with this easy dinner recipe or an easy vegetable side dish. Here are some of our favorites:
How to Store Leftover Hamburger Helper
Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the hamburger helper on the stove over low heat with a splash of water added. You can also heat in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips for Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Add some veggies: saute some sliced mushrooms, chopped red pepper, shredded carrots or zucchini with the ground beef to amp up your veggie intake. Or stir in some baby spinach leaves or frozen peas after the shredded cheese.
- Be sure to stir the hamburger helper a few times while its cooking the pasta or ground beef doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Shred your own cheese. It melts easier and has the best flavor.
- Garnish with some chopped dill pickles and fresh parsley.
- If the hamburger helper seems dry and not creamy enough, add a few splashes of milk or beef broth to thin it out. For an even richer flavor you can add some heavy cream too.
More Delicious One Pot Meals:
- Easy Orange Chicken
- Skillet Goulash
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Lasagna Skillet
- Chili Mac Skillet with Leftover Chili
- Taco Pasta Skillet
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces medium shells pasta
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a deep large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Add the shells pasta, milk and beef broth. Give it a good stir, pressing down the shells into the liquid as much as possible.
- Bring to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low heat.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente, and stirring 2-3 times.
- Remove from heat, remove lid and stir in the cheese a handful at a time until fully incorporated and melted.
- Serve and enjoy immediately.
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