Homemade Hamburger Helper

4.68 from 28 votes

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.

Prep Time2 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Total Time22 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

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

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.

Video

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