Homemade Hamburger Helper

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This homemade hamburger helper recipe is a blend of macaroni and ground beef in a creamy cheese sauce. The ultimate weeknight meal made in under 30 minutes!

I love quick and easy macaroni recipes made from scratch. Some of my favorites include 4 cheese mac and cheese and crockpot cheesy beef goulash. However, if you’re looking to make something that’s kid-friendly, this beefaroni or this homemade hamburger helper is a perfect choice!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender beef and spices.
So much better than store-bought boxed hamburger helper.
You can adjust this recipe to your liking.
It’s a one-pot meal.
Even the grownups will enjoy this!

Ingredient Notes

Pasta – Traditionally hamburger helper is made with elbow macaroni but feel free to use any type of short-shaped pasta. Farfalle, rigatoni, cavatappi, or penne works for this recipe.
Ground Beef – I used 90/10 lean ground beef but you can use 80/20 beef or ground turkey instead.
Cheese – Cheddar cheese works best but you can use whatever cheese you have on hand.
Beef Broth – If you don’t have beef stock you can use chicken stock or water.
Milk – Use whole milk for best results.
Heavy Cream – I like to add it at the end to make it extra creamy!
Tomato Paste – Ketchup works too.
Salt and Pepper – Make sure to season this very generously with salt and pepper. It will be extremely bland otherwise.

How To Make

Start by breaking up and browning the ground beef completely over medium-high heat. This should take about 5-8 minutes.
Add the spices, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and onions. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the fresh garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Add the beef broth and whole milk. Let it come to a simmer.
Once it comes to a simmer, add the macaroni, cover, and cook for 6 minutes while stirring frequently.
Add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well, cover, and cook for 1 minute.
Garnish with fresh chives or parsley, if desired, and enjoy warm!

Top Tips

If your kids are picky eaters and don’t like onions, feel free to grate the onions instead or simply omit them and add onion powder instead.
If you want it extra creamy, add more beef broth and whole milk.
Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this with cheesy garlic bread and a simple salad.
Want to make it spicy? Add a generous sprinkling of red crushed pepper flakes.

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Macaroni Tuna Salad
Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Spicy Bow Tie Pasta

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5 from 3 votes