Print

Homemade Hamburger Helper – One-Pot Comfort Classic

Homemade Hamburger Helper – One-Pot Comfort Classic
Print Recipe

Forget the boxed version—this homemade Hamburger Helper is creamy, cheesy, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly dinner where tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a velvety tomato-cheese sauce come together in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want cozy food fast!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • 1 tsp seasoned salt

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • 8 oz small pasta shells (or elbow pasta)

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half & half)

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a large sauté pan, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Remove and set aside, leaving 2 tbsp grease in the pan.

  • Lower heat to medium, add onion, and cook until softened (5 min). Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

  • Add flour, cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in broth. Bring to a boil.

  • Stir in tomato sauce, seasonings, and pasta. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Add extra broth if needed.

  • Stir in cream and cheddar until melted and creamy. Return beef, cook 2–3 minutes to heat through.

  • Rest for 1–2 minutes to thicken, then serve hot.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.

  • Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

  • Add peas or spinach for a veggie boost.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-one-pot-comfort-classic/

Scroll to Top