Homemade Hamburger Helper

4.8
(92)
89 Reviews
7 Photos

This homemade hamburger helper is far better than the boxed mix. With fresh spices, and a hint of tomato, it's beefy, cheesy, savory, and has all the makings of a weeknight family favorite.

By
Corey Williams
Corey Williams
Corey Williams

Corey Williams is a food writer for MyRecipes and Allrecipes. She has a decade of journalism experience.

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Published on April 11, 2024
Tested by
Renu Dhar
Headshot of Renu Dhar
Tested by Renu Dhar
Renu Dhar has over a decade of experience developing recipes, in more than 5 of which she has been fielding and answering the question, " what's for dinner?" and sharing her expertise and skills as a personal chef.
Meet the Allrecipes Test Kitchen
looking at a bowl of homemade hamburger helper
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Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 pound 85% lean ground beef

  • 1/2 cup diced yellow onion

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • 3 1/2 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni

  • 6 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    ingredients gathered to make homemade hamburger helper

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is crumbled, browned, and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Spoon off and discard any fat.

    ground beef cooking in a skillet

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, paprika, and pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

    tomato pasta, ketchup, and seasonings added to ground beef

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Add beef broth, and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in macaroni; reduce heat to medium, and gently boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 13 to 15 minutes. 

    beef broth and macaroni noodles stirred into ground beef

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Remove from heat, and stir in Cheddar, ensuring cheese is fully melted and incorporated, 30 to 45 seconds. Let stand until thickened before serving, about 2 minutes.

    cheese stirred in until incorporated

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Recipe developed by Amanda Stanfield

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

549 Calories
32g Fat
16g Carbs
46g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 549
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g 42%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 143mg 48%
Sodium 1369mg 60%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 46g 92%
Vitamin C 3mg 4%
Calcium 353mg 27%
Iron 5mg 25%
Potassium 770mg 16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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