Print

Homemade Hamburger Helper From Scratch Easy Recipe for Comfort Food

homemade hamburger helper - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting homemade Hamburger Helper made from scratch with simple ingredients, creamy cheesy sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners and nostalgic comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%, or dairy-free like oat milk)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta/small shells)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring often.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the beef and stir well. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The mixture will start to thicken.
  7. Add the milk, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  9. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
  10. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Notes

Watch the pasta closely to avoid overcooking and mushiness. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much before pasta is done. For a shortcut, brown beef and onions ahead and refrigerate. Use whole milk or half-and-half for creamier sauce. Stir pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: homemade hamburger helper, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, creamy pasta, cheesy sauce, quick weeknight meal

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-from-scratch-easy-recipe-for-comfort-food/