Creating your own Homemade Hamburger Helper is simpler than you might think. Skip the store-bought versions and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting a tasty dish from scratch. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful meal that beats the processed alternatives.

Start by browning 1 lb of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Toss in finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the veggies are tender.

Sprinkle in some dried oregano, basil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir. Add 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni to the mix, followed by 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of milk, and a can of diced tomatoes. Stir well to blend the flavors.

Let the skillet simmer for 15-20 minutes, covering it to cook the pasta until it’s just right. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the pasta is cooked, toss in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy goodness.

Take the skillet off the heat, cover it, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This short resting period allows the flavors to mingle. Dish out your Homemade Hamburger Helper onto plates or into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and there you have it—a homemade masterpiece ready to be enjoyed.

Feel free to tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies or spice it up as you like. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and experiment with different cheese varieties for added flair. Plus, it reheats well for a delicious encore. Enjoy your homemade triumph!3 / 3

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Create your Homemade Hamburger Helper in a few easy steps. Brown ground beef, sauté veggies, add seasonings, macaroni, broth, milk, and tomatoes. Simmer, stir in cheese, and let it rest. Enjoy a customizable, flavorful dish that beats store-bought versions. Personalize with favorite veggies or leaner meats. This quick and reheatable recipe gives you control over your meal without sacrificing convenience. Embrace the simplicity and flavor of a homemade classic!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Resting Time 5

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Chef's knife

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
1 onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 bell pepper diced
1 cup mushrooms sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded c
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle oregano, basil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir to combine.
Incorporate Pasta and Liquids: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet. Pour in beef broth, milk, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
Cheese Time: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
Garnish and Rest: Remove the skillet from heat. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Dish out the Homemade Hamburger Helper onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley.