Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comfort food classic that takes your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients and in under 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. This recipe offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the original but is made right at home, giving you full control over the flavors and ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday pantry staples.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Comforting and Delicious: Rich flavors that give you that warm, cozy feeling.
This homemade version stands out with its creamy texture, and the mix of flavors from the sautéed onions and garlic builds a tasty base. It’s sure to impress everyone at the dinner table!
Ingredients Needed
For this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the base:1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- For the sauce:2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Brown the Meat: In a large sauté pan, place the ground beef (or turkey) over medium-high heat. Cook until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes, then set it aside. Make sure to keep some grease in the pan for added flavor.
- Cook the Onions: In the same pan, add the diced onions. Sauté them until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then stir in a couple of tablespoons of flour, allowing it to mix well and cook for another minute. This will help thicken the sauce later.
- Incorporate Broth: Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to help blend the flavors.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Pasta: Stir in the tomato sauce and add the small pasta shells. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and creamy. Return the browned beef to the pan and heat through.
How to Serve Homemade Hamburger Helper
Serve this comforting dish hot straight from the pan. You can garnish it with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Homemade Hamburger Helper
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Tips to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Add Veggies: Consider tossing in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce if you like a kick.
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for unique flavors.
Variations
Feel free to switch out the ground beef for cooked chicken or even plant-based proteins for a vegetarian version. You can also replace pasta with quinoa or other types of grains to make this dish even heartier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and can make the dish lighter while still being delicious.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the prepared Hamburger Helper in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Conclusion
Homemade Hamburger Helper is an excellent choice for a quick, fulfilling meal that’s perfect for the entire family. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find it becomes a regular menu favorite. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! What variations did you try? Let us know below. Don’t forget to share this recipe on your social media!
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Mixed
Description
A comforting homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper, featuring creamy textures and rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan, place the ground beef (or turkey) over medium-high heat. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then set aside.
- Add the diced onions to the same pan and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in flour and let cook for another minute to thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and pasta shells. Cover and let simmer until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat, mix in heavy cream and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Return the browned meat to the pan and heat through.
Notes
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color. Can be paired with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg