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skillet of homemade hamburger helper garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
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5 from 6 votes

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This hearty Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe is so delicious and comes together in under 30 minutes! Exploding with amazing flavor, this easy dinner is perfect for kids and adults alike! So much better than a box mix!
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword hamburger helper recipe, homemade hamburger helper
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 711kcal
Author Trish - Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon seasoning salt use your favorite brand
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 5 cups low sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce 1 small can
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder or 1 beef bouillon cube or 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated, divided (about 12 ounces)

Garnish

  • fresh parsley optional

Instructions

  • Place the lean ground beef, seasoning salt, and black pepper in a large dutch oven or deep skillet over medium high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until no pink remains. Drain the excess fat.
    1 pound lean ground beef, ½ teaspoon seasoning salt, ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • Stir in low sodium beef broth, cream, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon powder (cube or beef base), dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Bring to a boil.
    5 cups low sodium beef broth, ½ cup heavy cream, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Add the macaroni and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered until pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.
    1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Sprinkle in two cups of the shredded cheese and stir until melted and combined.
    ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Storing leftovers. If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.  
To reheat. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove top until heated through. If it is too thick, stir in some broth, cream, or milk.
To freeze. Let cool and place in an airtight freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 711kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 1752mg | Potassium: 773mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1112IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 471mg | Iron: 4mg