Easy One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This 30-minute, one-pot hamburger helper is the perfect meal when you’re short on time and only takes a handful of pantry staples!

Who else grew up eating boxed hamburger helper?  I loved that stuff, it was one of my childhood favorites!  But alas, I’m kinda crunchy and a bit snobbish about my food now lol so of course I came up with a from scratch version.  The good thing is, it’s just as quick and easy as the boxed stuff with tons more flavor – and of course, more nutritional value!  Homemade hamburger helper is one of our favorite one-pot meals, something the whole family loves – even the picky eaters.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is a one-pot meal that only takes 30 minutes to make and uses simple ingredients – so it’s great for postpartum, busy nights, or nights when you just don’t have it in you to go all out on dinner and need an easy dinner recipe.
• You can sub gluten-free pasta which works just as well as wheat pasta if you’re gluten-sensitive or intolerant.  No matter what type of pasta you use, the homemade version is better than the boxed version!
• This meal is great leftover.  So you could make a huge double batch and freeze it or put it in the fridge to have on hand for busy weeks.

What You’ll Need

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 10 oz. dry bowtie pasta or elbow macaroni
• 1 quart (4 cups) beef broth or chicken broth
• 1 25 oz. jar of pasta sauce or tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

TOOLS

• large skillet or large pot
• wooden spoon

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains.  If you use 80/20 or greater, do not drain the excess fat from the browned meat, just leave it in the skillet as is.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients except the cheese – pasta, broth, pasta sauce, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, and Italian seasoning.  Place a lid over the skillet, then turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked al dente. 
3. Stir in the shredded cheese, cover with a lid for another 5 minutes on medium-low and then remove from heat and serve.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef to make hamburger helper?

• Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken to make hamburger helper, the flavor will be different but the seasonings still work well with either turkey or chicken.  

What kind of pasta works best for one-pot Hamburger Helper?

• Small to medium-sized pasta like elbow pasta, bowtie pasta, rotini, or shells work well. They cook evenly and absorb the flavors effectively.

Can I add vegetables to my Hamburger Helper?

• Absolutely! Common additions include diced tomatoes, bell peppers, peas, fresh onion, corn, or spinach. Add them along with the pasta to ensure they cook through.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

• If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.

Can I make one-pot Hamburger Helper ahead of time?

• ?Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to maintain the creamy consistency.

Tips

• If you want to spice this dish up, just add a teaspoon of chili powder and a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the rest of the seasonings.

Storage

Hamburger helper is great the next day, so doubling the batch and saving leftovers is a great way to cut down on dishes and have an extra meal prepped for the entire family.  Just store the cooled hamburger helper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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