This homemade version of the classic is ready in just 35 minutes and made in one skillet! This Hamburger Helper recipe is rich, creamy, and way better than the boxed kind.
Quick Recipe Overview
35 Minutes: Quick and easy for busy nights.
One Skillet Meal: Easy clean up!
Childhood Classic: If you grew up on Hamburger Helper, you’ll love this homemade version!
Pair With: Texas Toast! Nothing beats the buttery, garlicky goodness of homemade Texas Toast.
Ingredients for Hamburger Helper
- Ground Beef: I used 90% lean, so there’s no need to drain excess grease, but you can use any percentage.
- Onion: Yellow onion works best, but you can substitute white onion for a sharper flavor or sweet onion for a milder, slightly sweeter taste.
- Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, use one teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Milk: Use any type of milk—whole milk makes it creamier, while 2% or plant-based options (like oats or almonds) also work well.
- Cornstarch Slurry: If you don't have cornstarch, mix four tablespoons of flour with two tablespoons of water instead.
- Worcestershire Sauce: You can substitute soy sauce (1:1 ratio), but keep in mind soy sauce is saltier and less sweet.
- Cheese: I used cheddar, but you can also use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or American cheese.
More Dinner Classics
- Ground Beef Soft Tacos - These 20-minute they are easy to make and perfect for weeknights.
- Easy Stove Top Burgers - A classic favorite that comes together in just 20 minutes!
- Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese - This nostalgic combo is pure comfort, delivering all the cozy and warm feelings you love.
- One-Pot Creamy Ground Beef Pasta - A quick and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Hamburger Helper Recipe
Easy Homemade Hamburger helper is ready in 35 minutes and is still a one-skillet meal!
Print
Pin
Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90%
- ½ yellow onion finely minced, about 1 cup
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 cups milk any kind
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of water to make a slurry *
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup tomato paste about 4oz
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 12 oz Macaroni about 2 ½ cups
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, minced onion, and garlic until the meat is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the hot water, milk, cornstarch slurry, salt, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and macaroni.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Uncover the skillet and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for 1 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
If you don't have cornstarch, mix four tablespoons of flour with two tablespoons of water instead.
Nutrition
Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Watch how it's made…
Save This For Later
Enter your email & we'll send you a link to the post. Plus, you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!