This one-pot homemade hamburger helper is a healthier and tastier version of the classic boxed meal. Made with lean ground beef, cheddar cheese, and pasta, it’s a comforting, kid-friendly dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
- Healthier Version: Uses lean meat and no artificial ingredients.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes for a fast dinner solution.
- Family-Friendly: A nostalgic comfort food that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite pasta, seasonings, or add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
Produce
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pantry Staples
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Directions
1. Cook the Meat and Onions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings
- Stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and seasoned salt. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. Gradually add the broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add Cream and Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Serve
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any small pasta like rotini, penne, or bowties will work. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free cheese substitute and coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
4. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
The flour helps thicken the sauce, but you can simmer it a bit longer if needed.
5. Can I add other proteins?
Yes, ground chicken, sausage, or even cooked shredded chicken are great options.
6. What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
Substitute with canned diced tomatoes or a mix of tomato paste and water.
7. How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra 1/2 cup of cheese for an ultra-cheesy version.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish up to step 5, then reheat and stir in the cream and cheese just before serving.
9. What toppings work well with this dish?
Garnish with parsley, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then add all ingredients except cream and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours, stir in cream and cheese before serving.
Conclusion
One-pot homemade hamburger helper is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for the whole family. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a delicious upgrade from the boxed version. Quick, easy, and customizable, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Try it today for a satisfying, no-fuss dinner!
Print
One-Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper is healthier, tastier, and made with real ingredients. Loaded with lean beef, pasta, and cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate one-pan comfort food for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
Produce:
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Canned Goods:
- 2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Pasta & Grains:
- 8 oz small pasta shells or elbow pasta
Baking & Spices:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics:
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Add Seasonings and Flour:
- Sprinkle the flour, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and a pinch of black pepper over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta:
- Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Finish with Cheese and Cream:
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make It Healthier: Use whole-grain pasta or gluten-free pasta if preferred. You can also replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American