This homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pot dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cheesy and filling. With ground beef, noodles, and melted cheddar cheese all cooked together, it’s a classic meal that’s simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Skip the boxed version and enjoy this fresher, tastier take on a family favorite!

A close-up of a pot filled with creamy Homemade macaroni and ground beef, reminiscent of classic Hamburger Helper. A spoon is scooping up a portion, showcasing the cheesy, saucy texture of the dish.

A Quick Look At The Recipe

Recipe Name: Hamburger Helper
Main Ingredients: ground beef, onion, tomato paste, Garlic powder, Chili powder, Salt & pepper, beef broth, noodles of choice
Why You'll Love It: Homemade Hamburger Helper - A quick, cheesy, and comforting one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with ground beef, noodles, and cheddar cheese, it’s a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Hamburger Helper

Quick & Easy One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic nights.
Customizable & Flavorful: Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and use your favorite type of pasta and cheese.
Cheesy & Comforting: The melted cheddar cheese makes this dish creamy and satisfying for kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly & Family-Friendly: Using simple pantry staples, this dish is affordable and sure to be a hit with everyone.

What You Need to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

To make this simple dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. Check the recipe card below for exact amounts:

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
Aromatics & Seasonings: Diced onion, tomato paste, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, Creole Trinity and Herb and salt & pepper.
Beef Broth: Creates a savory base for the dish.
Noodles: Any type of short pasta works, like macaroni, rotini, or shells.
Cheddar Cheese: Mild shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy finish.

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

1

Brown the Meat & Onions: In a shallow Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.

2

Add Flavor: Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder. Let it cook for about 3 minutes to enhance the flavors.

3

Add Broth & Noodles: Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add your noodles and cook on medium heat until they are al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4

Finish with Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy your cheesy, comforting bowl of Hamburger Helper!

Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper – A quick, cheesy, and comforting one-pot meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with ground beef, noodles, and cheddar cheese, it’s a family favorite.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 25

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef 80/20
1/2 onion diced
2 tbsp tomato paste
Garlic powder to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
Chili powder to taste
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp Creole Trinity and Herb
Salt & pepper to taste
3 cups beef broth
1 cup noodles of choice macaroni, rotini, or shells work well
1.5 cups Mild cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

In a shallow Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is cooked through and the onion is softened.
Add the tomato paste, garlic powder, paprika, Creole Trinity and Herb and chili powder to the pot. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring to combine.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add in the noodles and cook on medium heat until they are al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Add in your heavy cream.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!