Hamburger Helper

Name: Homemade Hamburger Helper (One-Pot Beef & Macaroni)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 4 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tsp seasoned salt; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

This homemade Hamburger Helper transforms ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato-beef sauce into a satisfying one-pot meal that rivals the boxed version—made entirely from scratch in under 30 minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Hamburger helper 🏷️One-pot meal 🏷️Pasta 🏷️Ground beef Cheesy

🏷️

🏷️Comfort food

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TikTok

Total

45 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 medium white onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp seasoned salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy cream
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1
In a large pot, brown the ground beef. While it's browning, chop the onion.
2
Once browned, drain the beef and set it aside.
3
In the same pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
6
Slowly stir in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil.
8
Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and garlic powder.
9
Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
10
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
11
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
12
Add the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Mix well and cook for about 2 more minutes to heat through.
13
Serve hot and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding onions and garlic to build a deeper, caramelized flavor base.
Sprinkle flour over the cooked beef and vegetables and stir for 1–2 minutes to create a roux; this thickens the sauce and prevents it from breaking.
Add the broth and tomato sauce gradually, stirring to avoid lumps in the flour mixture.
Taste and adjust seasonings at the end; if the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes to reduce.

Substitutions

Beef broth → chicken or vegetable broth (flavor will be lighter)
All-purpose flour → cornstarch at 1 tbsp (slightly less thickening power; mix with cold water first)
Tomato sauce → tomato paste thinned with ½ cup water plus 1 tbsp tomato paste (more concentrated, adjust to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding broth or water if the sauce has thickened.

Common Questions

Can I use elbow pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, elbow pasta works identically; other short pastas like ditalini or small shells also work well.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Yes, browning the ground beef develops flavor and renders fat; cook until no pink remains, about 5–7 minutes.

Can I make this ahead and freeze it?

Yes, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months; reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.