Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Salt/Pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half)
(half milk/half light cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ beef bouillon cube
see notes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- ½ lb. macaroni
equal to 2 cups
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder
garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon Smoked paprika
Directions
- 1
In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. (This is the “Sauce mixture”.) Set it aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
- 2
Season the ground beef lightly with salt and pepper. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the beef. Cook and crumble until brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain grease and set the ground beef aside.
- 3
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat and add the flour. Stir to combine, and cook for 2 minutes, or until it begins to turn toasty brown.
- 4
Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook until just al dente, set a timer to avoid overcooking. Drain once cooked.
- 5
Reduce the heat of the sauce to low and gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until combined. Add the ground beef back and stir to combine.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
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About this Recipe
Craving that comforting, cheesy taste of classic Hamburger Helper, but want a homemade version that truly satisfies? This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavors you love, elevated with fresh ingredients and a deeply savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate easy weeknight meal that brings genuine comfort to your table.
This Homemade Hamburger Helper shines with its incredibly rich and velvety cheeseburger sauce. The magic happens by building flavor with a classic butter and flour roux, then layering in both beef and chicken broths for a complex savory base, all enriched by creamy half and half. The specific blend of seasonings, including Worcestershire sauce and a beef bouillon cube, ensures every bite is packed with that authentic, hearty taste.
You'll be treated to tender macaroni bathed in a luscious, full-bodied sauce, infused with a balanced blend of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and a hint of smoked paprika. The hearty ground beef is perfectly seasoned, creating a satisfying texture and taste that evokes cherished childhood memories, but with a grown-up depth of flavor. This is a wonderfully rich, comforting, and utterly delicious dish that’s easy to pull together.
Customization & Serving Suggestions
- Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based crumble if you prefer. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein.
- While cheddar cheese is the iconic choice here, Monterey Jack or a Colby-jack blend would also melt beautifully and offer a slightly different cheesy note.
- For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the other seasonings can add a subtle warmth to the sauce.
This hearty, satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and easily feeds the whole family. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad to add a fresh counterpoint, or with some crusty bread to ensure you don't miss a single drop of that incredible sauce.