This creamy, cheesy one‑pot hamburger helper is one of the best homemade versions you can make at home. It’s simple, comforting, and ready in about 30 minutes.
I didn’t grow up on boxed Hamburger Helper, but I tried a ground beef and macaroni dish in my twenties. My husband loved it, and I thought I could make a better, fresher version myself. This skillet recipe delivers rich, cheesy flavor without the processed mix.
If you like one‑pot meals that are quick to prepare and full of flavor, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients for one‑pot homemade hamburger helper:
- Ground beef – Use extra‑lean or regular ground beef. If you use regular, drain excess grease after browning.
- Onion – One small yellow onion, diced. It adds a mild, slightly sweet base flavor.
- Tomato paste – Adds tomato depth and a touch of acidity.
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sazon (optional), salt, and pepper build a balanced savory profile.
- Chicken broth – I prefer chicken broth because it’s milder than beef broth and won’t overpower the sauce.
- Heavy cream – Essential for a rich, creamy sauce.
- Pasta – Macaroni works well, but cavatappi is great because its spirals hold the sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry – Cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce slightly at the end.
- Cheddar cheese – Mild or sharp, grated, added at the end for melty cheesiness.
How to make homemade hamburger helper:
Cooking this one‑pot meal is straightforward and fast.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat; season lightly with salt and pepper and break the meat up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the diced onion, tomato paste, and the spices to the pan, stirring to combine and let the flavors meld. Pour in the chicken broth, add the heavy cream and the pasta, and stir so the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat to medium‑low, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Remove the lid, whisk the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and stir it into the pan, then add the grated cheddar and stir for about a minute until melted and smooth. Turn off the heat and give it one last stir before serving.
FAQs & tips for this recipe:
- Substitutions – If you only have beef broth, it works in place of chicken broth. Macaroni can substitute for cavatappi. Ground turkey can replace beef for a leaner option.
- Storing – Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The dish is best eaten fresh but reheats well in a skillet or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
One‑Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion , diced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp sazon, optional
- Salt & pepper
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cavatappi
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated
- Parsley for garnish, optional
Instructions
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1. In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Break it up with a spoon while cooking. Drain excess grease if needed.
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2. Add the diced onion, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, sazon (if using), and smoked paprika to the pan. Stir and cook briefly to combine.
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3. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and pasta. Stir so the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium‑low, and simmer for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
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4. While the pasta simmers, whisk the cornstarch and water together to make a slurry.
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5. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid, stir in the cornstarch slurry, then add the grated cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir one more time. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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