I like this recipe because it’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying. It uses ingredients I usually already have on hand and comes together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup. The sauce is rich and cheesy, coating the pasta perfectly while the beef adds savory depth. I also love that it’s versatile—I can adjust the spices, use different cheeses, or even swap in turkey or plant-based meat.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef, or ground turkey 1 large yellow onion, diced 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups low-sodium beef broth, or chicken broth 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ½ teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder 8 oz small pasta shells, or small elbow pasta ½ cup heavy cream, or half and half 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Brown the Beef I start by browning the ground beef in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s cooked through, I remove it from the pan and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease for flavor.
Cook the Aromatics I lower the heat to medium, add the diced onion, and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Then I add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Sauce I stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually, I pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once it starts to thicken, I add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Add the Pasta I stir in the pasta, bring everything to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is done, I add a splash more broth.
Finish with Cheese and Cream Once the pasta is cooked, I add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. I then return the cooked beef to the pan and cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve I serve the hamburger helper hot, topped with extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if I have some on hand.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 5 minutes to prepare, 25 minutes to cook, for a total of 30 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
Variations
Sometimes I use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For extra vegetables, I like stirring in spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers near the end of cooking. To make it spicy, I add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. I’ve also used different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months, but I find it tastes best fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, I often use gluten-free pasta. I just add a bit more broth and extend the cooking time slightly since gluten-free pasta absorbs more liquid.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even Gouda work beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I use non-dairy cheese and coconut cream or oat cream as substitutes.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely—I like adding peas, spinach, or diced zucchini for more nutrition.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth also works well.
How do I make it thicker?
If it’s too thin, I let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger groups—just use a bigger pan.
What kind of pasta works best?
I like using small shells or elbows because they hold the sauce perfectly.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, I cook it ahead and reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely—it’s creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor, so kids love it.
Conclusion
Homemade hamburger helper is one of my favorite quick dinners when I want something cozy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef all come together in one pan for the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, delicious, and always a hit with everyone at the table.
