Homemade Hamburger Helper is so much better than the boxed version! It’s a one-pot classic filled with hearty beef and tender noodles, coated in a rich sauce. This high protein hamburger helper is 100% kid-friendly and dietitian-approved, and can be made in less than 30 minutes!
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One Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe
Raise your hand if you grew up with Hamburger Helper! These boxed mixes are nostalgic for many of us, but often highly processed and high in sodium.
You can replicate the saucy-meat-and-noodles formula at home with a handful of pantry staples, serving up a quick and nutritious meal for the whole family without spending hours over the stove. This homemade version is a must-try for busy families!
For more pot recipes, you’ll also want to check out this Ground Beef Quinoa Bowl!
Elysia’s Recipe Recap
Texture: Tender noodles, morsels of ground beef, all coated in a cheesy sauce.
Taste: Pure comfort food. It’s meaty and savory in all the right ways.
Ease: Easy one pot dinner ready in just 30 minutes!
Recommended sides: Serve it with some steamed broccoli or green beans for an easy, complete meal.
Would I make it again? Absolutely. This is the perfect easy dinner recipe and a go-to for us on those busy weeknights!
Ingredient Notes
- Extra lean ground beef: To keep this recipe from being too high in calories, I recommend using extra lean ground beef (95/5). It won’t end up dry because we’re adding it to a sauce.
- Onion: Chop it finely.
- Tomato paste: This really adds that yummy, umami flavor that brings the whole dish together.
- Seasonings: We can achieve the right flavor with a few spices – smoked paprika and garlic powder – plus Worcestershire sauce and a little Dijon mustard.
- Beef broth: Instead of water, use low sodium beef broth for extra flavor in the sauce. You can even use bone broth for added protein!
- Elbow macaroni: Any type will do. I prefer to use whole wheat or fiber enriched to make it more filling.
- Cheddar cheese: I typically use medium, but you can use which ever type you prefer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions, cooking for 7–10 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, then carefully drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until everything is well coated and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and turn the heat up to high to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 13–15 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the pasta cooks, grate the cheese.
- When the noodles are cooked to al dente, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and evenly mixed. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.
Scroll to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!
Expert Tips
- Stir often for best results: After adding the pasta, stir the mixture every 1–2 minutes to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a saucier hamburger helper, use 3 cups of broth instead of 2½. If the mixture looks a bit too soupy near the end, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes until it thickens up.
Storage Guidelines
- In the fridge: Cool to room temperature then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat: Warm leftovers in the microwave or over the stove until heated through. Since the pasta will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits, I recommend stirring in a splash of broth or milk before reheating.
How to Make Hamburger Helper a Balanced Meal
Although you can absolutely serve this recipe as a complete meal, I like to pair it with a vegetable on the side. We either like to serve it with a salad, like this Tossed Green Salad or this Kale Crunch Salad. Or, steamed or roasted veggies like green beans, roasted ranch carrots or oven-roasted broccoli
The more you normalize pairing meals with veggies, the easier it becomes every day!
Recipe Variations
- Add extra veggies: Boost the nutrition by stirring in finely chopped or grated carrot or zucchini, or toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They blend right in and add great flavor.
- Spice it up: Cooking for adults or older kids? Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little extra heat.
- Change the meat: Instead of extra lean ground beef, try ground turkey.
More One-Pot Meals
- One Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Quinoa Chili with Meat
- Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup
- One Pan Chicken Drumsticks and Potatoes
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
One Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 3/4 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (I use whole-wheat or fiber-enriched)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions, cooking for 7–10 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, then carefully drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until everything is well coated and fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and turn the heat up to high to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for 13–15 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- While the pasta cooks, grate the cheese.
- When the noodles are done, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted and evenly mixed. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.
Notes
- Stir often for best results: After adding the pasta, stir the mixture every 1–2 minutes to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a saucier hamburger helper, use 3 cups of broth instead of 2½. If the mixture looks a bit too soupy near the end, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes until it thickens up.
I made this for my family exactly as is. They loved it! It was quick, easy and satisfying!
So happy your family loved it!! It’s one of our favorites :) I appreciate you taking the time to return and leave a review!