My easy homemade Hamburger Helper recipe with cheesy pasta and tomato sauce is ready in 30 minutes and so good you’ll never go back to the box.
As a newlywed, mac and cheese and Hamburger Helper™ were favorites of my husband and mine. The combination of pasta, hamburger, cheese, and sauce was an easy, comforting, weeknight fave. But when I struggled to pronounce half the ingredients listed on the label the boxed version went by the wayside. That’s when I started making my homemade version of Hamburger Helper from scratch. This Hamburger Helper fits the bill when you’re craving something hearty, beefy, and cozy. The noodles are cooked directly in the sauce to soak up all the rich, beefy tomato flavor. To make it extra cheesy, I add a simple cheese roux, giving it that classic cheeseburger taste everyone loves. If you’re a fan of my Mom’s spaghetti and meat sauce, homemade sloppy joe’s, and shepherd’s pie, it’s time to add this cheesy, flavor-filled Hamburger Helper to your favorites list.
Why You’ll Love It
- This homemade Hamburger Helper takes 30 minutes to make
- It’s made with real ingredients and full of comfort food flavor
- This dish is hearty on its own but you could serve it up with a simple salad or some veggies
What’s in The BEST Homemade Hamburger Helper
While this dish is homemade, it takes pretty much the same amount of time as using the boxed version. But it’s SO. MUCH. BETTER!
Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Olive oil—for sautéing the onion
- Lean ground beef—85% lean ground beef for the best texture and flavor without a lot of extra grease
- Yellow onion—chopped red onion or shallots are good substitutes
- Chicken or beef broth—this is the foundation of our savory sauce
- Water–this helps with the saucy consistency
- Ketchup—for a sweet tomato flavor
- Tomato paste—adds umami and builds a flavorful, robust sauce
- Garlic powder—for savory, umami flavor
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper—for seasoning
- Rotini—or try elbow or shell macaroni
- Butter–this is needed to make our roux for the cheese sauce
- Flour–helps thicken our cheese sauce
- Milk–you could also use half and half to make it a bit richer
- Cheddar cheese–essential for making our cheesy sauce (choose one that’s at least medium in flavor versus mild or a simple American, giving this dish its real cheese flavor)
Find the complete recipe with measurements below
How to Make The BEST Homemade Hamburger Helper
This recipe comes together quickly and easily. Here’s how to make it:
- Brown your beef. Then add in the onions and cook until softened.
- Build that umami base. Add broth, water, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook your noodles. Bring the beef mixture a boil, add the noodles, then reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes.
Say Cheeseburger!
- Make the cheesy sauce. In a separate saucepan, make the cheese sauce using the milk, butter, flour, and shredded cheddar.
- Mix it all together. Pour the cheese sauce into the hamburger mixture and stir to combine.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Make the sauce less sweet. Swap the amounts of tomato paste with that of the ketchup for a sauce that’s not quite as sweet. You may need to add a bit more broth or water to taste and for consistency.
- Mix up your meat. Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey, or ground pork
- Noodle around. We typically use rotini noodles, but elbows, penne, shells, ziti, rigatoni, or another short-tubed pasta works well. Choose a noodle where the cheese sauce and burger can hide in each bite.
- Add some veggies. Adding sliced cremini mushrooms, bell pepper, frozen peas, or corn would be great additions. Spinach would also be a great addition, but wait until you’re near the end of the cooking time before adding it so it doesn’t overcook.
- Spice is nice. A dash of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeño, or roasted chiles would bring a punch of heat. You could also top with fresh basil or chives for extra color and flavor.
- Try a different cheese. Monterrey Jack, pepperjack, havarti, a smoky cheddar, or even American cheese would all work great here.
FAQ and Recipe Tips
- How do you make Hamburger Helper better? Using real ingredients and good quality meat. These are simple ingredients, so make ’em count.
- For the healthiest homemade Hamburger Helper, I recommend using ground turkey and adding veggies. Mushrooms, spinach (or kale), and maybe some bell pepper would be my picks, but any of the veggies I mentioned above would be delish. Feel free to use a gluten-free pasta or less pasta as well, if desired (just note if you use less pasta you’ll have a saucier Hamburger Helper).
- Leftovers will keep stored in the fridge for about 4 days, or stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Make Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper
To make this Hamburger Helper gluten-free, substitute corn starch for the flour, and try gluten-free or quinoa noodles.
What to Serve with Hamburger Helper
- THE BEST Garlic Bread
- The Best Roasted Asparagus
- Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons
- Easy 5-Minute Zucchini Parmesan
- Kale Salad with Parmesan and Pine Nuts
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a 
rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
The BEST Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground 85 percent lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion , chopped
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 ½ cups dry rotini noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups medium cheddar cheese , shredded
- fresh parsley , for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break into chunks with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.
- Add onion and cook for another 5 minutes or until beef is cooked through and onion is softened.
- Add broth, water, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder, and salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Add macaroni and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until macaroni is al dente and liquid has reduced.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in another pan over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes or until flour is cooked through. Add milk and whisk until smooth. Cook until sauce begins to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cheese sauce to hamburger and noodle mixture and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Mac and Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- Stovetop Pesto Macaroni and Cheese
- Skillet Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Chicken Divan Mac and Cheese
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Beth A Crader
How do you reheat this? We have too much left over and I don’t know how to reheat it properly. Just microwaved isn’t good!
Lidas
Had to scroll a bunch just to find the freaking recipe, but it was pretty good.
Thanks for scrolling Lides, glad you liked it.
Kristen
Just made this for the first time. My husband is eating his second helping…and I may sneak in for more too. I’m sure my teen son is going to love it as well. I accidentally used a whole box of pasta (ziti with lines). I had to add a little more water and cooked for 20 minutes rather than 10. I skipped the ketchup and instead added 1 chopped tomato and a 10 oz can of rotel style tomatoes. My cheese “sauce”seemed a bit sticky and I ended up adding a handful of shredded Asiago as the cheddar seemed a bit dull. But when mixed with the pasta, it wasn’t as sticky. Overall very good! And it isn’t very forgiving recipie in that you can add extras to make it your own!
Kristen
I mean it IS very forgiving! Lol!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks for sharing all your substitutions! I love how you made it your own
I’m so glad you liked it Kristen—and your husband too! Great choice on the ziti.
Mike
Super easy and great tasting!!
pat
the ketchup made it too sweet for my liking. but it does make it actually taste like a hamburger, if that’s what you like.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks for the feedback
Steph
I just wanted to stop in and say I just made this recipe and my kids love it! It was a definite success!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thank you Steph!
KM
I have a question I was wondering if this could be done in the instant pot.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Absolutely! Follow IP directions for the Macaroni!
clint
made this last night with my daughter. She is 6 and pretty much did everything (she loves to cook) by herself. I did the simple measuring and cutting the onion, but she gathered the ingredients and poured and stirred and it turned out great. Its not the greatest meal ever but its cheap to make and it makes a lot of food, and only took about 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Dee
Made this on a whim and the hubby loved it! He’s such a picky eater and is always weary of new recipes but he had seconds so this is definitely a must keep recipe!
Paige Cassandra Flamm
My husband made this for us for dinner tonight and it was phenomenal! The perfect meal to make when you have nothing in your kitchen after vacation haha!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thanks so much Paige!! Glad you loved it.
Miranda
Okay this is going to sound crazy…but I added cut up pickles to this and it was AMAZING. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Your cheese sauce was incredible.
Linda
Pickles don’t sound crazy. That sounds brilliant!!!!!!
Sandy
I made this tonight for dinner and my husband and I loved it! I replaced the water, tomato paste, and ketchup with a 8oz can of tomato sauce and used 4 cheese Mexican instead of cheddar. I have never been so excited for leftovers. Definitely keeping this recipe.
I’m so glad you liked it Sandy! It’s for sure one of our fave comfort foods too. Thanks for circling back to let us know!
Kay
Can you post a nutrition facts . I like to watch my soduim and calories intake
Erica
I’ve cooked this four or five times now and this may be my fiancé’s favorite meal! I do want to add, though, that every time, I have had to add a lot more liquid – up to two more cups of water/ broth while cooking the noodles (I use macaroni noodles that are also egg noodles, just because it’s usually what we buy in huge packs – not sure if the egg noodle factor plays a role) and typically about another cup of milk while making the cheese sauce.
Karenality
Mmmm…sooo ummy good! I only made one small change. Instead of using the tomato paste I used 1/4 c. mustard! Thanks for a great comfort food recipe!!
Karenality
Mmmmm…so yummy good!! I made only one slight change. Instead of using tomato paste, I used 1/4 c. mustard instead! Thank you for a great comfort food recipe!!!!
Johnny
Just happened to stumble on this today searching for something different. Added red pepper and mushroom, took a little water out and added a touch more beef broth, perfect liquid content.
This is amazing!!!!
Thank you
Amy
Made this tonight! I wanted to make a larger amount so doubled up on everything, and it turned out great! I had a bit too much liquid left over so had to drain a bit before added cheese sauce. Thanks!
VENISSÊ
Thank you for this, I’ve tried this recipe a couple of times before and I must say, this has become one of my husband’s favourite dishes! I’m a fan of your blog and i always draw inspiration from your recipes! More power to you!
I want to make a vegetarian version of this recipe too! Wish me luck!
Valerie
I’m not normally a comment-leaver, but I wanted to say how much my family loves this recipe. My husband is gluten free, and this was so easy to convert. Corn starch for flour, and quinoa noodles. My 3 year old loves helping me cook this. I have made this many times, and it is just so easy and delicious. Thank you.
Horse names
Looks delicious.
TJ
Love this recipe. Made it a few times now. I added yellow mustard this last time and it was magnificent. Try it.
Thanks!
Katherine
I don’t know what happened I followed recipe to exact everything and mine turned into a pot of goo =(
Grace
Eating this right now, and I’m in LOVE!!!! As is hisband and toddler :) Yum! Thanks!!
So glad you’re enjoying it!
MommaMary
Can you tell me serving size and carbs. After a stroke I just became diabetic, so am overwhelmed trying to convert recipes.
Rob
Hello! How much salt and ground black pepper, exactly? I’m guessing 1/4 tsp tonight but that’s just a guess.