Homemade Hamburger Helper
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is made in one pot in under 30 minutes. Ground beef is combined with tender carrots and onions, macaroni and a delicious cheesy sauce. This meal is a great easy, cozy meal your whole family will love.

I grew up on Hamburger Helper. We ate it at least twice a week in our household if not more. My mom did not like cooking, one bit. So, we grew up on “box meals” as my dad calls them. The recipes from my mom all come from a box, haha!
The recipe I’m sharing today is the classic Hamburger Helper everyone knows and loves. But, did you know they have a bunch of different Hamburger Helper flavors? I’m pretty sure I’ve had them all. As a kid, I have to be honest, I did enjoy them. It’s been years since I’ve had them.
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is one of my family’s favorite meals. Ground beef is cooked with onions and carrots, then spices, broth, and tomato sauce are added to the dish along with macaroni. The macaroni is cooked in this flavorful broth that gives it the most delicious flavor. Cheese is stirred in until melted and voila! Dinner is done. It’s easy. It’s delicious and it’s a dinner I’m certain your whole family will want more of. Let’s get cooking.
Here’s what you need to k now…
This Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe can be made in one pot. You’ll begin by adding the ground beef along with the carrots and onions to the pot. Cook until the veggies are tender and meat is browned. This takes roughly 5 minutes.
Next, you’ll add in the spices, broth, tomato sauce and macaroni and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 7 minutes.
Your meal is nearly done at this point. All that’s left to do is stir in the cheese until melted. This freezes very well, so you can always make some for the week ahead.
If you make this hamburger helper recipe, let me know what you think in the ratings and comments below. I love hearing your feedback! Also, make sure you find me on youtube and instagram, where you can see the full cooking video for this recipe.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is made in one pot in under 30 minutes. Ground beef is combined with tender carrots and onions, macaroni and a delicious cheesy sauce. This meal is a great easy, cozy meal your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef, onion and carrots and cook, breaking apart meat, and stirring occasionally. Cook until meat is browned and vegetables are softened, roughly 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and chili powder, tomato sauce, beef broth and pasta. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat and simmer for 7 minutes.
3. Remove lid and stir in cheese until melted. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American