Hamburger helper is a store bought meal in a box containing a seasoning packet with pasta that you simply add ground beef and a liquid to. This is a super simple, one-pan homemade version! This recipe starts out with beef and onions followed by seasonings, before adding the pasta and broth, and cooking with cheese added at the end. This recipe is super easy to make, making it perfect for busy work nights and it’s family friendly!
Hamburger Helper
A quick, easy and tasty homemade, from scratch, hamburger helper.
ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or oregano) – link this
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces pasta (such as macaroni) (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or sour cream or 4 ounces cream cheese)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
directions
- Cook the beef and onion in a large skillet until cooked through, about 10 minutes, before draining off any excess grease.
- Add the flour, garlic, garlic powder, onion, powder, paprika, cayenne, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mix well and cook for a minute.
- Add the broth, pasta, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce , mix, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, add the cream and cheese, mix and let the cheese melt into the sauce before enjoying!
Option: Add a squirt of ketchup or 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
Option: Add 1 teaspoon mustard.
Option: Add cooked and crumbled bacon!
Clay Allen Lyles says
If I wanted to use two lbs of meat would I just double everything else?
kevin says
Yes! Enjoy!