Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper – Easy One‑Pot Cheesy Pasta Dinner

Craving classic comfort food without the boxed mix? This Homemade Hamburger Helper delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness using real ingredients—you’ll love how easy it is to make from scratch in just one pot.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Complete meal in under 30 minutes

• Uses simple ingredients—no mystery powders or preservatives

• One-pot cleanup makes weeknight dinners easy

• Customizable with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based protein

• Family-friendly and infinitely adaptable

This recipe is for 1 box of Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper.

This version is sooo much better tasting (and better for you!) than the store bought kind!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup hot water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I like sharp cheddar)

Directions:

1.  Brown beef in 10-inch skillet.  Remove from heat; drain.

2.  Combine cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar in a small bowl.  Add to beef along with the water; stir until dissolved.  Stir in milk and pasta.  Return to heat; heat to boiling.

3.  Reduce heat.  Cover; simmer about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.  Stir in cheese until melted.  Remove from heat.

Serves 4

Tips & Variations

• Sub ground turkey (or plant-based crumbles) to lighten the dish

• Sneak in extra veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color 

• Spice it up with hot sauce, cayenne, or smoked paprika

• Adjust liquid as needed—add extra broth if the pasta absorbs it too quickly

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this cheesy skillet meal with:

• Green salad or steamed veggies

• Garlic bread or crusty focaccia

• Fruit salad or coleslaw on the side

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes—just adjust cooking time and liquid amounts if using larger or smaller shapes. 

Can this dish be made gluten‑free or dairy‑free?
Yes—sub gluten-free pasta and flour or use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. 

How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce. Freezing is not recommended because the pasta may become mushy.

Homemade Hamburger Helper