Ditch the preservatives and artificial flavorings, deliciously. Hamburger Helper is just as easy, but much more amazing homemade.
With just a few extra steps and seasonings tossed in like you’re the Swedish Chef off The Muppets, you can create a homemade Hamburger Helper that is amazingly cheesy, savory, and delicious. And chances are, even though this ingredient list is a bit long, you already have most of them in your fridge, pantry, and spice rack.
What this Hamburger Helper gets right is the savory seasonings that elevate the flavors of hamburger, macaroni, and cheese to new heights. This spice blend of chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ground mustard, and Italian seasoning packs a lot of flavor.
Why you and your family will love homemade Hamburger Helper
There’s a huge difference between opening a can of Chef Boyardee Spaghetti and Meatballs and making a homemade marinara sauce with homemade meatballs, right? Ditto for homemade Hamburger Helper.
After all, a box of Hamburger Helper is simply a bit of macaroni and that infamous packaged powdered spice and dried cheese blend. So, why not see what happens when you use wholesome foods to make this American classic, like real cheddar cheese, spices, and your own favorite macaroni brand?
For one thing, you deserve the real cheese that is in homemade Hamburger Helper, period. And you deserve the deliciousness that comes from making your Hamburger Helper from scratch with the help of some fresh onions and garlic, too. This recipe is proof of how amazing Hamburger Helper can become when it’s homemade.
How do I store leftovers?
You can refrigerate the cooled Hamburger Helper in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Microwave it to reheat it. Alternatively, you could add a bit of milk and water and reheat it in a skillet. To freeze leftovers, transfer all to a gallon freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
I like to serve this homemade Hamburger Helper with some zesty sides that really bring the flavor, like this delicious recipe for Asparagus With Garlic And Parmesan, and a really flavorful salad, like this Peach, Pecan, Goat Cheese Salad. I also enjoy serving this recipe with these crunchy, munchy Air-Fryer Onion Rings, for some added crispy texture on the table. For dessert, how about this Two-Layer Coconut Cake, to play off all these flavors with its delicious, creamy icing? Or, try this easy Carrot Cake Trifle that tastes amazing after this Hamburger Helper, too.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- Kosher salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 3/4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 5-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. If the broth is absorbed but the pasta isn't ready, add more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives.
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