Homemade Hamburger Helper (30-minute meal)
Classic hamburger helper but made with real ingredients! This is a one pot recipe and made in less than 30 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner recipe filled with hearty ground beef, pasta noodles, and a creamy cheesy sauce. There are easy swaps to make it gluten free or dairy free in the recipe card below!
If you need a quick weeknight dinner that your whole family will love, add this recipe to your menu! You can ditch the boxed version and made this simple recipe with real ingredients. I first made hamburger helper in high school and seriously loved it. 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 healthier.
It’s all prepared in one pot and on the table in less than 30 minutes. You even have time to do the dishes while it is simmering! 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
- 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: Save money with this recipe.
- Homemade: Made with real ingredients and not mystery powder from a box
How to make homemade hamburger helper
Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet.
Drain excess grease. Add in tomato sauce and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add in beef broth, milk, and noodles. Simmer for the duration indicated on your pasta packaging until noodles are tender.
Pull off heat and allow the sauce to thicken for about 3-4 minutes. Enjoy every bite!
Substitutions
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 homemade hamburger helper?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator 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.
More 30-minute meals
Jambalaya with Sausage and Shrimp
Creamy Ground Beef and Noodle Soup
Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 12 ounces elbow pasta to make this recipe gluten free I use great value brown rice elbow pasta
- 1/2 cup white onion diced
- 2 cups beef broth (or bone broth) Double the beef broth and omit the milk to make this recipe dairy free
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded (omit for diary free or sub for favorite dairy free cheese)
- 8 ounce can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, add in ground beef and onion. Brown the ground beef, breaking into small pieces. Drain excess grease.1 lb. ground beef, 1/2 cup white onion
- Add 1 minced garlic and tomato sauce and cook for 1 minute.1 teaspoon minced garlic, 8 ounce can of tomato sauce
- Add in beef broth2 cups beef broth (or bone broth) milk, and pasta.2 cups beef broth (or bone broth), 2 cups whole milk, 12 ounces elbow pasta
- 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 ccheese. Salt and pepper to taste.1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- Pull of heat and allow 2-3 minutes for the sauce to thicken. Serve and enjoy!
I’ve made this for dinner a couple times now and it’s always a big hit with the entire family! It’s become one of our “go to’s” 🙂 easy and yummy!
I so appreciate the comment! It is also a frequent in my household. I’m so glad your family enjoys it!
So grateful for a recipe that helps me not buy store-bought boxes.
A family favorite recipe! My kids love it with extra cheese on top.