Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

5 from 3 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.
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.
Add tomato paste, carrot, and zucchini, and stir for 1 minute.
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.
Lower the heat and stir in cheese. Cook a few more minutes until creamy.
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