Homemade Hamburger Helper
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This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack—rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s 10 times better than the boxed version, and just as easy! Made with real ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder is a family favorite you’ll want on repeat.
It’s no secret I love an easy dinner idea. This one takes the cake. Make it a full meal and serve with roasted broccoli, cheesy garlic bread, or a side of pickles for a little crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner – A quick, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Family-friendly meal – Kid-approved and packed with familiar flavors.
- Budget-friendly recipe – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
- One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
We’ve made this ground beef hamburger helper recipe more times than I can count, and it’s hands-down one of our favorite easy dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, and way better than the boxed version—plus, it all comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Perfect for those busy nights when you need something fast but still homemade.
Even better? It’s picky teen approved, which is a win in my book. The flavors are simple but comforting, and you can easily tweak it to make it your own. Serve it up with a side of veggies or just dive in with a spoon—it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack in serious flavor. No mystery powders here—just real food that makes this dish so much better than the boxed version!
- Ground Beef – Lean ground beef works best, but if using fattier meat, drain the excess grease before adding other ingredients.
- Ketchup – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth. Use your favorite brand, or swap for tomato paste if you prefer less sugar.
- Dijon Mustard – A little goes a long way to enhance the flavor. Yellow mustard works in a pinch, but Dijon adds a richer tang.
- Hot Sauce – Totally optional, but a dash adds just the right amount of kick. Use more or less depending on your spice preference.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – These seasonings bring all the flavor without the extra chopping. Fresh garlic and onions work too if you have them on hand.
- Salt & Pepper – Simple, but essential for balancing the flavors. Adjust to taste.
- Macaroni Noodles – Classic elbow macaroni gives that nostalgic feel, but any small pasta shape will work.
- Beef Broth – Cooking the pasta in broth infuses it with flavor and creates a rich, saucy base. Use low-sodium if needed.
- Sour Cream – Makes the sauce ultra creamy and adds a little tang. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you want something lighter.
- Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar melts best and gives that gooey, cheesy goodness. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
With just these few ingredients, you’ll have a one-pot meal that’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Let’s get cooking!
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
We’ve made this Homemade Hamburger Helper at least a dozen times, and it never disappoints. It’s rich, cheesy, and comes together in just one pan—perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, my picky teen gives it a thumbs-up, which is basically the highest seal of approval.
Tip from Jesseca:
Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken. If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk to bring back the perfect creamy texture!
Substitutions and Variations
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Here are some simple swaps and fun variations to try:
Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used instead for a different flavor twist.
- Hot Sauce: Leave it out for a mild version or swap for Worcestershire sauce for extra umami depth.
- Beef Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works if that’s what you have, but beef broth gives the richest flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy twist.
Variations
- Extra Veggies: Stir in peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Style: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, extra-savory version.
- Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.
- One-Pot Chili Mac: Add a can of diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of chili powder for a heartier, chili-inspired twist.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked ground sausage, shredded chicken, or black beans for more variety.
No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to be a hit. Mix it up, make it your own, and enjoy!
Beef Hamburger Helper Recipe
This Beef Hamburger Helper recipe is a one-pan wonder—simple, flavorful, and ready in no time. With just a few steps, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dish the whole family will love.
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Cook the Beef – Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain any excess grease.
- Simmer Everything Together – Add the pasta, broth, seasonings, ketchup, Dijon, and hot sauce. Simmer until the noodles are tender.
- Make It Creamy – Remove from heat, then stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until smooth.
- Serve & Enjoy – Spoon into bowls and dig in while it’s warm and cheesy!
It’s that easy—real ingredients, better flavor, and done in under 30 minutes!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This Copycat Hamburger Helper recipe is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prep in Advance: Cook the beef and measure out all ingredients ahead of time for a quick, throw-together meal.
- Fully Cook & Store: Make the dish as directed, then let it cool completely before storing.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the pasta can become mushy and the sauce may separate. If freezing, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen up the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. Add a little liquid if the pasta seems dry.
For best results, eat fresh, but if you do have leftovers, these simple steps will keep them tasting great!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Elbow macaroni works best, but small shells, rotini, or penne will also hold the sauce well. Just adjust the cook time as needed since different pasta shapes may take longer to soften.
Absolutely, however that will change the overall flavor. Greek yogurt is a great substitute, or you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce. If omitting completely, add a little extra cheese to maintain the creaminess.
Freezing isn’t ideal because the pasta can become mushy and the sauce may separate. If you do freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly with added liquid to bring back the creamy texture.
Add extra hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
Yes! The flavors are mild and comforting, but if you have a picky eater, you can leave out the hot sauce or adjust the seasonings to their taste.
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Copycat Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1½ cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cups sharp cheddar
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return the beef to the pan.
- Stir in the beef broth, uncooked macaroni, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Spoon into bowls and enjoy immediately while warm and cheesy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
