Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe (Hidden Veggie Option)

This 30-minute homemade hamburger helper recipe features the same cheesy sauce, ground beef, and pasta you know and love but has a hidden veggie option that packs in extra nutrients. This one-pot meal is full of flavor, kid-friendly, and parent-approved! 

What Makes This Recipe Great

I’ve actually never tried the boxed version of Hamburger Helper, and it wasn’t something I grew up with. As immigrants, my parents weren’t aware of this brand. However, I’ve been making a homemade version of this popular dish for my kids, and they absolutely love it. It’s a delicious and comforting meal for the whole family, and I know for many of you, it’s one of your childhood favorites!

Not only is it a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights (only 30 minutes to make), but it’s also a great way to pack in veggies and nutrients for my kids (or if you have picky eaters!). I add carrots, zucchini, and sometimes mushrooms to the sauce and use bone broth for gut-healing benefits. Both my 4-year-old and 1-year-old gobble this up without any question! It’s made with simple ingredients and is the ultimate comfort food.

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is an easy, one-pot recipe that gets dinner on the table in just 30 minutes and is packed with all the protein and veggies you and your little ones need!

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

How to Make This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

This simple one-pot meal is made with a pound of ground beef, fresh onion, real cheese, spices, and pasta. The store-bought version is highly processed, so this homemade version is a great way to get the same delicious meal made with real ingredients! 

Ingredient Notes

• olive oil
• medium onion
• lean ground beef: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken as well. 
• spices: sea salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
• tomato paste: You can use plain tomato sauce if that’s all you have on hand.
• carrot
• zucchini
• bone broth: You can also use beef broth. Chicken broth or vegetable broth will work in a pinch if that’s all you have on hand. 
• short pasta: I used gluten-free pasta, but you can use regular as well. Elbow pasta works really well, but you can use any short pasta shape like penne or rotini.
• Cheese cheese: You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese, depending on your preference. 
• optional garnishes: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and additional cheese. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep large skillet over medium-high heat. 
2. Add onion, ground beef, salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until mostly browned – about 7-9 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired. 
3. Add tomato paste, carrot, and zucchini, and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add the broth, then bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni pasta and reduce to medium heat to a gentle boil, then cook uncovered for about 9-10 minutes until the pasta is soft and tender (reduce time by one minute for al dente). Stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, you can add a bit more broth or water.
5. Lower the heat and stir in the cheese. Simmer for a few more minutes until creamy.
6. Taste to add more salt or pepper, if needed. Enjoy warm.

Expert Tips

• If you want to make the traditional version, you can just omit the optional carrots and zucchini.
• You can also try adding any other veggies on hand, like cauliflower, broccoli, mushrooms, and red bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them up small. I like to use a microplane grater to zest the carrot really small, so it just disappears into the sauce.

Storage Tips

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on low heat on the stovetop.
• To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, store in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

More Family Favorite Recipes

One Pot Beef Stroganoff

Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese

Keto White Chicken Chili

Paleo Sloppy Joe Casserole

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