Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is a creamy, cheesy, one-pot pasta made with ground beef, bell pepper, onion, and soul food seasoning. This easy weeknight dinner is comfort food at its best, with bold flavor that beats the boxed mix every time!

There is nothing like a bowl of Hamburger Helper to take you back! The store-bought mix is good for convenience, but homemade is always better. Our version is richer, fresher, and full of real flavor.

What really makes this recipe special though is the soul food feel. Bell peppers and onions add flavor and depth, and our soul food seasoning gives it that Southern kick.

This meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is quick, and dinner is ready in under 40 minutes. You can even freeze portions for later.

If you have been craving a nostalgic classic but want something fresher and homemade, this is it! Trust, once you try our homemade Hamburger Helper recipe, the box will not compare.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Better flavor than the boxed version. It’s rich, cheesy, and seasoned just right.
• Made with real, fresh ingredients you can feel good about.
• Easy, one-pot recipe that keeps dinner simple and cleanup minimal.
• Nostalgic comfort food. It’s kid-approved, but flavorful enough to satisfy grown-ups, too.

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Ingredients

• Ground beef (80/20): The higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. You can also swap in ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
• Pasta: We love DeLallo Shellbows because they’re sturdy and hold the sauce perfectly. Cavatappi or Penne are also excellent choices for catching the creamy sauce.
• Beef broth: Our favorite is Bonafide Provisions Organic Beef Bone Broth. If you don’t have beef broth, Better Than Bouillon Beef Base mixed with water is a great substitute.
• Heavy cream: Use a good-quality cream. For a lighter option, swap with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Cheese: Marble cheddar melts beautifully. You can also try a blend with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.

See the recipe card below for full information on the ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Heat oil in a Dutch oven. Add onions and peppers, then stir in the garlic until fragrant.

Step 2: Stir in the beef and cook until browned.

Step 3: Mix in the tomato paste, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and Soul Dust.

Step 4: Stir in the pasta (macaroni, cavatappi, or penne all work well).

Step 5: Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, cover, then reduce the heat and simmer.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream.

Step 5: Gradually add the cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon into bowls and enjoy right away.

What Goes Good with Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper goes great with comforting sides like this old-fashioned cornbread recipe and roasted squash and zucchini, or you can keep it lighter with a crisp side salad.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce (optional).
• Freezer: Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove with added liquid to bring back creaminess.
• Meal Prep Tip: Cook pasta slightly underdone if planning to freeze, so it holds texture better after reheating.

Hamburger Helper Recipe FAQs

More Easy Pasta Dinner Recipes

Looking for more homemade pasta dinner ideas? Try these:

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