This Homemade Cheeseburger Helper recipe is way better than the boxed version, and just as easy to make! Ready in just 30 minutes, and loaded with lots of real cheddar cheese!
JUMP TO RECIPEThis super cheesy homemade version of classic Hamburger Helper is so much tastier than the boxed stuff, and easy to pull together on busy weeknights with just a handful of ingredients. The whole family will enjoy this easy Cheeseburger Helper recipe, made with real cheddar, a blend of spices, and lean ground beef!
The best part? This recipe comes together in just one pan- so there's less cleanup, too! This is one of my favorite easy weeknight dinners to make when I'm seriously craving some nostalgic comfort food from childhood, and is a great way to feed your family on a budget.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- How to make Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
- Tips for Success
- Cooking Tools
- Serving the Hamburger Helper
- Substitutions and Additions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- More One Pot Recipes
Ingredients
Butter and diced onions. You'll start the whole dish by sautéing the onions in butter until they are nice and soft. This will be the base of the sauce, as you continue to add the other ingredients and build flavor!
Lean ground beef. If you use a higher fat ground beef, you can drain off any excess fat prior to adding the spices and flour. I like to use lean ground beef for this recipe to eliminate the draining step and make this easier to whip up!
Tomato paste, for a quick, easy and inexpensive way to impart rich tomato flavor into the final dish. You only need a bit, so you can use a tube, or freeze what you have left in the can in a freezer bag for later!
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt (or plain table salt), a touch of sugar, and some freshly ground black pepper. This spice blends adds tons of flavor to the sauce! If you prefer things less smoky, you can use regular paprika in place of the smoked paprika. I love the extra burst of flavor and depth you get from adding both the smoked paprika and seasoned salt!
All-purpose flour, to help thicken the sauce. You'll add this in with the spices after the onions and beef are cooked, and it will blend along with the broth, milk, and cheese to help make a creamy sauce!
Beef broth, for extra richness and beef flavor. You can use beef broth or beef stock.
Milk. You can use what you drink. Both whole milk and 2% milk work great for this recipe, as does lactose free milk. For best flavor and texture, I do not recommend using skim milk.
Cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni noodles. These are my favorite shapes for this recipe, since they are closest to the classic Hamburger Helper noodles. If you like, you can use any small pasta, such as penne.
Sharp cheddar cheese. Grate your own cheese for best results (I love Cabot Cheddar!). Pre-shredded cheese has stabilizers and additives, which will affect the texture and flavor of your finished dish.
How to make Homemade Cheeseburger Helper
Tips for Success
Allow the dish to rest. Once the Cheeseburger Helper is ready, let it sit off heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to set up a bit before serving!
Check your sauce and noodles. If your sauce is looking a little thick, or your noodles don't seem quite done, add a splash of milk to beef broth to help things along or thin the sauce to your liking. Alternatively, if things are looking a little thin, add a little flour mixed with water to help thicken it up a bit.
Cooking Tools
- I love to make this recipe in a 12-inch skillet, either cast iron or non-stick. You can use any large skillet you like for this recipe, or even a dutch oven.
- A good box grater, for easy cheese shredding. You can also use your food processor for easy shredding!
- A sharp knife and cutting board, for easy onion prep.
- A wire whisk and wooden spoon, for easy stirring. If using a nonstick pan, go for a silicone whisk to avoid scratching the pan.
Serving the Hamburger Helper
This hamburger helper is best served hot, right from the stove. Serve up hearty bowls of this easy weeknight meal topped with some chopped fresh parsley with a simple side salad or green beans, and you're good to go!
Substitutions and Additions
This Cheeseburger Helper recipe can easily be adjusted to your preferences and what you have on hand in your refrigerator and pantry. Here are some swaps you can make to make this recipe your own. See FAQ below for more tips!
Use sharp white cheddar, Colby jack cheese, or medium cheddar in place of the yellow sharp cheddar.
Try chicken broth in place of the beef broth.
Cook your onions in canola oil or another neutral oil, like avocado oil instead of using butter.
Add some of your favorite hot sauce for a zesty kick (I love a splash of Crystal Hot Sauce), or add a touch of Worcestershire sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Cook some bell peppers with the onion for an extra dose of veggies and flavor!
One Pot Cheeseburger Helper Recipe
Equipment
- large deep saute pan or cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or table salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk (use what you drink), (do not use skim milk)
- 2 cups (or ½ lb) dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
- 2 cups (or 1 8 oz block) grated yellow sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large deep sauté pan or cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. 2. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 5 minutes. 3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up as you go until browned, 4-5 minutes. 4. Add tomato paste, stir well into meat mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until slightly deepened in color. 5. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, pepper, and flour and stir until well combined. Cook 1 minute. 6. Slowly whisk in beef broth, then add milk and stir well. 7. Add pasta, bring heat to high, and bring to a boil. 8. Once boiling - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is cooked through, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick for 10-12 minutes. 9. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another meat for this recipe?
Yes! You can use ground turkey or ground bison instead of the ground beef. You can also use a fattier ground beef, and drain off the excess fat prior to adding the other ingredients to the pan. If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you could also use Beyond Meat!
What kind of pasta can I use?
This recipe calls for cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles. You can swap them for any small pasta shape, such as medium shells, penne or rotini pasta. Just think smaller pasta!
Can this recipe be made gluten free?
Yes! If you want to make this recipe gluten free, you can use chickpea pasta instead of classic pasta- just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly. You'll also need to omit the flour, and use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the very end of cooking. To do so, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water until well combined and lump-free, and stir it into the finished pasta.
How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
Use a blend of milk and cream (1 cup milk and ½ cup heavy cream) for a richer sauce!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I would not recommend freezing this recipe, as the cheese will break upon reheating. To reheat, cook on low in small sauce pan with a little milk, beef broth or water to help loosen things up, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
More One Pot Recipes
If you love this One Pot Cheeseburger Helper Recipe, you'll love these one pot recipes, too!
- My One Pot Italian Sausage Orzo is a super hearty and delicious family-friendly meal!
- This creamy and delicious One Pot Sausage Artichoke Pasta is a baked pasta the whole family will enjoy!
- Craving something with a little spice? Try my One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice, with super crispy chicken thighs and perfectly seasoned Spanish style rice!
- Make my other favorite Hamburger Helper, Creamy Beef Stroganoff!
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Adrienne W. says
Thank you for posting a recipe that includes milk instead of heavy whipping cream. I did add a dollop of cream cheese because that’s my style, but otherwise followed exactly and it turned out great. A dish my toddler will eat with less preservatives.
Sharon Farnell says
So happy to hear this, Adrienne!
Becca says
What sides do you recommend for this dish?
Sharon Farnell says
Hi Becca! I think some green beans, broccoli, or air fryer baby carrots would go great, or a simple side salad!
Caitlin says
My kids (1 and 3) loved this! It was a little onion-y so next time I will dial back but that’s just personal preference. I will also sneak in some veggies next time!
Sharon says
So happy to hear this, Caitlin!
Jacey Anderson says
This is absolutely delicious. It's been added to our weekly round and tastes even better the next day reheated!
Sharon says
Thanks so much, Jacey! I am SOOO happy to hear this!
Karen says
This is so good! My family really enjoyed it. I added some minced garlic for a little more garlic flavor and left out the sugar.
Sharon says
So happy to hear this, Karen!
Celia Coleman says
Turned out so delicious!!!! Thanks for sharing this quick and easy and tasty recepie!
Sharon says
Thanks so much, Celia! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
Saraya Munoz says
This was so good!!!! It was so delicious!!🤤 can’t wait to make it again! Even my picky eater husband loved it!
Sharon says
So happy to hear this, Saraya!