Homemade Hamburger Helper

This easy homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is my better-for-you twist on a favorite childhood meal – and honestly, it’s even tastier than the boxed version I grew up with! Using simple ingredients, I recreated that nostalgic, cheesy, savory goodness while adding an extra boost of rich flavor and nutrition. I also discovered this is a dish I can sneak extra veggies into, and my kids don’t even notice. In fact, my whole family always asks for seconds, and they request this meal often, making it one of my most reliable weeknight dinners. After testing this recipe five times, I knew it was perfect, and it’s quickly earned a permanent spot in my meal-planning rotation.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

• Lean ground beef: May sub lean ground turkey or ground chicken, if preferred.
• Pasta: I typically use chickpea pasta, elbow macaroni, or shell-shaped chickpea noodles for this recipe, but any other noodle shape, such as penne, will work just fine. 
• Flour: I use a gluten-free flour blend, but this recipe can also be made with regular all-purpose flour if there aren’t any dietary restrictions. 
• Milk: I prefer to use whole milk for the richest taste and creamiest consistency, but any dairy or unsweetened plant-based milk will work. 
• Half and half: Can substitute heavy cream. 
• Broccoli florets: May sub 3 cups green or red bell peppers. 
• Seasonings: I use a mix of Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. 
• Olive oil: May substitute avocado oil.
• Garlic: If I don’t have garlic cloves on hand, I can sub 1 teaspoon garlic powder. 

Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredient Spotlight: Try Chickpea Pasta

This recipe can be made with any favorite pasta. Since I eat gluten free, I started using chickpea pasta in place of regular pasta because it tastes nearly the same but offers me better nutrition. Made from nutrient-rich pulses, it’s higher in fiber and protein, often gluten-free, and comes in almost every pasta shape. (While not all chickpea pastas are gluten-free, it’s easy to find gluten-free versions.) I use it in any recipe that calls for traditional noodles, and it’s become an easy way to add more fiber and plant-based protein to my family’s meals – without my kids noticing any changes to their favorite dishes.

Compared to regular pasta, chickpea pasta is:

• higher in protein
• lower in carbs
• higher in fiber
• contains more iron 

How To Make Hamburger Helper (Video)

1. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Then, drain any excess fat, and transfer the beef to a bowl.
2. Boil the pasta: While the ground beef cooks, boil the pasta until al dente.
3. Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, add the oil, broccoli, onions, and garlic, and cook until tender. Then sprinkle flour on top and toss to coat. 
4. Make the cheese sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, and slowly add 1 cup of milk at a time, whisking constantly. Let the mixture simmer and thicken after each addition. Then, stir in the half and half, tomato paste, Dijon, shredded cheese, and seasonings.
5. Add the ground beef and cooked pasta: Stir in the cooked ground beef and pasta, and serve warm. 

For serving size and the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories (kcals), protein, carbohydrates/carb, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.

Make It Gluten-Free

To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, I simply use all-purpose 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta noodles, such as Banza.

Make It Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free version of this hamburger helper, I use unsweetened dairy-free milk instead of whole or 2% milk, canned coconut milk in place of half and half, and dairy-free shredded cheese.

Serving Suggestions

With 34 grams of protein and carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, and plenty of veggies per serving, I consider this dish a complete meal on its own. That said, when my kids are extra hungry (which, who am I kidding, they almost always are!), I’ll make a simple side to pair with the Hamburger Helper. My go-tos include a lentil salad, steamed green beans, fruit salad, sourdough bread, and homemade hummus and pita chips.  When it comes to toppings, I like sour cream, sliced green onions, or fresh herbs. If I’m craving a little heat, I’ll top my serving with hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder. Any leftovers I end up having can be used in some versatile ways; I’ll repurpose them as a taco filling or serve them over lettuce greens for an easy salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers (If I Have Any)

Once cooled, I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I’m ready to enjoy this meal again, I reheat the hamburger helper either in the microwave or in a large pot over medium heat on the stove. I’ve found that the sauce tends to dry out slightly over time, so I usually add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of beef broth, low-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth to bring it back to the right consistency.

Note: I don’t recommend freezing leftovers, as the sauce tends to separate and the noodles typically become mushy. 

---

For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!