Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

5 from 6 votes

This 30-minute homemade hamburger helper 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!

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Servings: servings

Calories: 446kcal

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tbsp tomato paste
OPTIONAL: 1 carrot grated
OPTIONAL: 1 zucchini grated
3 cups bone broth or beef broth
8 oz short pasta I used gluten free
2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat.
1 tbsp olive oil
Add onion, ground beef, salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Cook stirring breaking up the meat, until mostly browned - about 7-9 minutes.
1 medium onion, 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Add tomato paste, carrot, and zucchini, and stir for 1 minute.
2 tbsp tomato paste, OPTIONAL: 1 carrot, OPTIONAL: 1 zucchini
Add the broth, then bring a boil. Add the pasta and reduce the heat to gentle boil, then cook uncovered for about 9-10 minutes until the pasta is soft. Stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, you can add a bit more broth or water.
3 cups bone broth, 8 oz short pasta
Lower the heat and stir in cheese. Cook a few more minutes until creamy.
2 cups cheddar cheese
Taste to add more salt or pepper, if needed. Enjoy warm.

Video

Notes

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.

Nutrition