Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Classic hamburger helper made with simple ingredients and is a one pot recipe. This easy homemade hamburger helper is one my kids favorites and is the perfect weeknight family dinner. It is filled with hearty ground beef, pasta noodles, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Check out the recipe below and easy substitutions to make this meal gluten free or dairy free!
Easy homemade hamburger helper
I was first introduced to hamburger helper in high school. A family I nannied for left me hamburger helper to make for the kids. I did not cook very much in high school, so I was quite impressed with myself for even preparing a dinner! I was then so surprised by how delicious it was. And it all came from this little box?? Fast forward 15 years and my cooking skills have developed a bit more. I sought to create a recipe to help cut down on processed foods and was a bit more healthy. I have been making this recipe for years now and I love how quick it comes together and how it uses simple, clean ingredients.
Ingredients in easy homemade hamburger helper
- Ground Beef – Only 1 lb. needed for this recipe
- Elbow pasta- To make this recipe gluten free, opt for gluten free noodles (great value brown rice elbow pasta are my favorite)
- White Onion
- Beef Broth – Double the beef broth and omit the milk to make this recipe dairy free
- Milk – I typically use whole milk
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Tomato Sauce
- Garlic
- Salt & Pepper
Why you will love this recipe
Easy – One pot meal made with simple ingredients
Quick – Made in only 30 minutes
Budget Friendly
Homemade – Made with real ingredients and not mystery powder from a box
How to make homemade hamburger helper
Cook the ground beef and onion
Add in tomato paste and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then add in beef broth, milk, noodles, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and then simmer on low, covered for the duration indicated on your pasta packaging
Stir in cheese, top with chives and enjoy!
How to make gluten free and dairy free hamburger helper
My family has enjoyed the gluten free and dairy free version of the recipe many times!
For dairy free: You use 4 cups of beef broth and omit the milk. You will obviously not top with cheese either unless you have a favorite dairy free version on hand.
For gluten free: Use gluten free noodles (great value brown rice elbow pasta are my favorite)
How to make homemade beef bone broth
This recipe calls for 2 cups of beef broth. Check out this easy homemade recipe.
FAQ
What if the noodles aren’t cooked enough? If you cooked for the duration of the package instructions and the noodles still are not done, I would add another cup of beef broth or water and continue to simmer for a few more minutes
How long to store? Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
How to reheat? Reheat in microwave or on the stovetop. You may have to add some beef broth or milk if it is dry.
Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 12 oz. elbow pasta – To make this recipe gluten free, opt for gluten free pasta (great value brown rice elbow pasta are my favorite)
- 1/2 cup white onion, diced
- 2 cups beef broth – Double the beef broth and omit the milk to make this recipe dairy free
- 2 cups milk – I typically use whole milk
- 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (omit for diary free or sub for favorite dairy free cheese)
- 1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef and onion over medium high heat. Break the ground beef into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease once browned.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add in beef broth, tomato sauce, milk, noodles, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer on low, covered for the duration indicated on your pasta packaging. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in cheese and enjoy!
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