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    Home » Real Food » 30-Minute Meals » Homemade Hamburger Helper

    Homemade Hamburger Helper

    By Kristen Chidsey | 61 Comments | Published February 22, 2021 | Updated March 5, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Ditch the boxed mix and make Homemade Hamburger Helper! 
This recipe for hamburger helper comes together with pantry staples, in one pot and in less than 30 minutes--not to mention it tastes much better than the original.

    Ditch the box and easily make your own Homemade Hamburger Helper in less than 30 minutes. Made with lean ground beef, a richly spiced tomato sauce, and tender noodles, this recipe for Hamburger Helper delivers total comfort food with minimal effort.

    Bowl filled with homemade hamburger helper.

    Why Homemade Hamburger Helper?

    Boxed Hamburger Helper is an affordable meal helper that is extremely popular in many family's households.

    And I get it. Hamburger Helper is a simple meal that comes together in one pan, using minimal ingredients, and is loved by picky eaters.

    But what if I told you that is it JUST as easy to make a homemade version of hamburger helper that is better for you AND better tasting? Not to mention that homemade hamburger helper is much lower in sodium, has no added MSG or food coloring, and is oftentimes cheaper to make from scratch.

    It seems too good to be true--but it is NOT!

    This recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper uses ground beef and basic, affordable pantry staples to create a family-favorite recipe using just one pot in less than 30 minutes. It is the perfect go-to recipe on those nights you need something on the table fast that the entire family will devour.

    Notes on Ingredients

    The number one reason I opt to make homemade hamburger helper is that the ingredients that make up this recipe are more wholesome than anything you find in a box of Hamburger Helper. But I still keep this recipe super simple and affordable by using dried seasonings and pantry staples.

    Ingredients labeled that are needed for Homemade Hamburger Helper.
    • Ground Beef: I love to use lean ground sirloin, but ground turkey or ground chicken work as well. 
    • Beef Broth: Beef broth/stock is the best option for hamburger helper. I recommend selecting a low-sodium version to control the level of sodium in the recipe.
    • Seasonings: To season this hamburger helper, use paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
    • Tomato Sauce: Use canned tomato sauce or tomato puree.
    • Tomato Paste: The tomato paste will give the dish a rich tomato taste and make the dish taste like it has simmered for hours, versus minutes.
    • Elbow Macaroni: Whole wheat or regular noodles both work well.
    • Worcestershire Sauce: Just a little bit finishes the dish with a bit of POW and rounds out the flavors.

    Step-By-Step Directions

    You start off making this homemade hamburger helper recipe just as you would when making a boxed version.

    • In a large skillet or saucepan add in the ground meat and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns.
    • Once the meat is fully browned, remove the skillet from the heat and drain off any fat if needed.
    Ground beef in large nontick skillet.
    • Return the skillet to the heat and add in tomato paste and spices. Let that toast for a minute or two to develop the flavor of the spices and tomato paste.
    Ground beef with tomato paste and spices in a skillet.
    • Add in the beef broth and the tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Once the mixture is boiling, add in the noodles and reduce the heat to medium-low.
    Large skillet with ingredients for hamburger helper simmering in pan.
    • Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. If you notice the liquid is evaporting before the noodles are fully cooked, you can add in a bit more broth or water as needed.
    Pan with homemade hamburger helper cooked in it.
    • Turn off the heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
    Hamburger helper in skillet with noodles that have absorbed the sauce.
    • And then dish up this easy Homemade Hamburger Helper and watch your family enjoy!
    Homemade Hamburger helper in white bowl.

    Storage

    Leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

    If needed, allow the hamburger helper to defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat in a heat-safe dish, adding a bit of water to help add moisture back into the noodles, in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

    Recipe Modifications

    • Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper: For a Gluten-Free Version of Hamburger Helper, it is best to use Barilla Gluten-Free Noodles. Most gluten-free noodles brands give off too much starch to cook in the sauce. I have used the Barilla brand many times with great success. You will also want to check to be sure your beef stock/broth and Worcestershire Sauce are gluten-free. 
    • Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper: If you would like a cheesy version of Hamburger Helper, stir 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese after simmering. The residual heat should be enough to melt the cheese.
    • Instant Pot Hamburger Helper: If you would like to prepare this recipe using an electric pressure cooker, follow my recipe for Instant Pot Hamburger Helper.

    More Easy Family-Favorite Recipes

    • One Pot Macaroni and Cheese
    • Easy Homemade Beef Stroganoff
    • Tex-Mex Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
    • Taco Salad
    • Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf

    If you enjoyed this simple, wholesome recipe for Hamburger Helper, please be sure to leave a comment and review below.

    Bowl of homeamde hamburger helper.

    Homemade Hamburger Helper

    This simple recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper is made with ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and tender noodles, yet still comes together in one pan and in less than 30 minutes.
    4.68 from 28 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 358kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
    • 6 ounces tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 8 ounces tomato sauce
    • 3 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
    • 2 cups dried macaroni noodles
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Heat a large nonstick deep skillet or dutch oven pan over medium-high heat. Add in the ground beef and brown, while breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain off any fat and return the pan to heat. Note: If not using a nonstick pan, you will want to add in 1-2 teaspoons of oil before browning the meat to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan.
    • Add tomato paste and seasonings. Cook for 2 minutes to develop flavor. Add in tomato sauce and beef broth and bring to a boil.
    • Once the mixture is boiling, add in the noodles and turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until noodles cooked through and sauce is absorbed. If needed, add in a bit of additional water or broth if you see the liquid is evaporating before the noodles are fully cooked.
    • Once the noodles are tender, turn off the heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce. Serve.

    Notes

    Storage: Homemade Hamburger Helper will last in the fridge for 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. 
    Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey, pork, or chicken for the ground beef. 
    For a Gluten-Free Version of Hamburger Helper, it is best to use Barilla Gluten-Free Noodles--most gluten-free noodles brands give off too much starch to cook in the sauce. I have used the Barilla brand many times with great success. You will also want to check to be sure your beef stock/broth and Worcestershire Sauce are gluten-free. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 920mg | Potassium: 761mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2.7mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This recipe was orginally published in 2017 but was updated in 2021 with new step-by-step pictures.

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Karen

      January 31, 2022 at 9:06 pm

      This was delicious, thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        February 01, 2022 at 6:40 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed Karen! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

        Reply
    2. Kimberly Keister

      September 19, 2021 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this and love it!!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 19, 2021 at 6:01 pm

        I love hearing that Kimberly!

        Reply
    3. Andrea

      May 02, 2021 at 2:01 pm

      Do you think chickpea pasta will cook ok in the sauce?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        May 03, 2021 at 6:43 am

        Hi Andrea! Chickpea pasta gives off quite a bit of starchy liquid that may interfere with the taste. The noodles also don't absorb quite as much liquid. That said, I have had 2 people tell me they have used the Banza brand of chickpea noodles with success, I just can't testify to that.

        Reply
    4. Tara Skinner

      April 18, 2021 at 7:32 pm

      Made this tonight and it was great. I had to sub a couple of ingredients to ones I had on hand but it was still very tasty. Next time I will double the recipe so there are leftovers.

      Reply
    5. Emo

      January 31, 2021 at 1:36 am

      5 stars
      This was a big hit with my nine and 11-year-olds. We all loved it! Will definitely make it again. Not too many ingredients and very easy to make.

      Reply
    6. Angela

      October 16, 2020 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      This was a hit with my family! Our family isnt big on meat so we used about 4 cups pasta instead of two. We also used coconut aminos in place of the worcestershire. Sadly no leftovers because everyone went back for seconds!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        October 17, 2020 at 6:31 am

        I love that your family enjoyed this so much, even without the meat. I may need to try that myself.

        Reply
    7. Ashley

      September 21, 2020 at 11:40 am

      Question can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 21, 2020 at 12:45 pm

        Yes Ashley, but it won't be quite as flavorful. I would add in a bit more Worcestershire sauce

        Reply
    8. Ally

      August 27, 2020 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      This has become a staple for me and my partner! Said partner had the idea to use a packet of taco seasoning instead of the other seasonings, and with some cheese it became one heck of a taco helper!

      This recipe is a permanent bookmark, can't live without it!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 28, 2020 at 7:31 am

        Oh great idea--you guys may enjoy my Taco Pasta. I love that this is a staple at your home. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.

        Reply
    9. Natasha

      April 21, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      Wondering if I can sub anything for tomato paste? Realizing I don’t have any,and I hate to go to the store just for that 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 21, 2020 at 8:24 pm

        Hi Natasha! You can use ketchup or omit 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
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