Homemade Hamburger Helper
This is hands down one of my favorite meals in our weekly rotation. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with cozy flavor – one of those dishes you think about long after the plates are cleared. It comes together easily, feeds a crowd, and always disappears fast. If you’re craving comfort food that always delivers, this one won’t disappoint.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
What You’ll Need
- Large pot to boil pasta
- Deep skillet
- Strainer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
1 lb. lean ground beef
4 tbsp. butter
4 tbsp. flour
1.5 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup half & half
1.5 cups beef broth
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp EACH: garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp. dried parsley
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 lb. pasta *I use penne
💡Pro Tip: Prep! Add your broths, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and spices into one large 4 cup measuring cup or a bowl with a pour spout.
Instructions
1. Add ground beef to a deep skillet, cook on medium-high heat 10 minutes or until fully cooked.
2. Remove the ground beef and set aside
3. Boil your pasta and cook until al dente
4. While your pasta is cooking start your roux. In the same skillet you cooked the beef in, add butter and melt on low-medium heat. Drop in your flour and whisk to incorporate the butter.
4. Increase your heat to medium-high and SLOWLY pour your liquid/spice mixture in while constantly stirring to avoid clumps.
5. Drain your pasta and set aside
6. Slowly mix your shredded cheese into your roux and simmer while stirring frequently until it thickens to a gravy like consistency.
7. Mix in your ground beef and cooked pasta, salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!!
Substitutions & Variations
- Add a little heat with a dash of cayenne pepper
- For a lighter version use ground turkey in place of ground beef
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
Final Thoughts
Have you made a box of Hamburger Helper lately? if you have ever made it before, you know it tastes delicious, but it is highly processed with unhealthy ingredients. This recipe gives cozy, homemade comfort food vibes without the chemicals needed to keep it shelf stable. Homemade dishes don’t have to be elaborate recipes with expensive ingredients, this is quick, easy and decedent. Your family will want you to make this again and again I promise!
Hey Ivy 🌿