Hamburger Helper Recipe

A pan of hamburger helper with a wooden spoon.

4.97 from 63 votes

Hamburger Helper Recipe

Homemade Hamburger Helper is a simple, hearty, cheesy one-pan dinner ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt (with parsley flakes)
½ teaspoon pepper
1½ cups macaroni
32 ounces chicken broth, or water
½ cup sour cream
2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain grease and return meat to the pan.
Reduce heat to low and add the ketchup, seasonings, macaroni, and broth to the pan and stir well to combine.
Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until macaroni is cooked through.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
Return the pan to the warm burner and stir in the shredded cheese until well combined. Add any more broth or water if needed to make it more creamy.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.

Use freshly shredded cheese: Cheese melts smoother and creamier when it is shredded from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend or pepper jack cheese.
Simmer gently: Keep the heat low while the pasta cooks so the broth absorbs slowly and the macaroni cooks evenly.
Stir occasionally: Give the skillet a quick stir while it simmers to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Add vegetables: Stir in peas, corn, or diced bell peppers to add color and extra nutrition without changing the flavor much.

Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Freeze. Freeze in an airtight container in the freezer for 4-6 weeks.

Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove. The pasta will have soaked up some of the moisture. Go ahead and add a little bit of milk to help smooth it out. If you're in a hurry or on the go, reheat it in the microwave.

Nutrition