What is the main ingredient in Hamburger Helper?

The main ingredient in any Hamburger Helper boxed or homemade is ground beef. It’s what gives the dish its hearty base. In Homemade Hamburger Helper , you can swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.

Is it cheaper to make Hamburger Helper from scratch?

Yes, making Homemade Hamburger Helper is often cheaper. A pound of ground beef, pasta, broth, and cheese can feed a whole family for less than buying several boxes of mix. Plus, you get better flavor and nutrition.

Why was Hamburger Helper discontinued?

Hamburger Helper itself hasn’t been fully discontinued, but some flavors have been pulled due to low sales and changing demand. People now prefer fresher meals, which is why Homemade Hamburger Helper has become so popular.

Is milk necessary for Hamburger Helper?

Milk isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s what makes the sauce creamy. If you don’t have milk, you can use broth, cream, or even a dairy-free substitute. For Homemade Hamburger Helper , milk is recommended, but you can adjust depending on your diet.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe: Easy One-Pot Dinner

Description

Skip the box! Make this easy, creamy Homemade Hamburger Helper in one skillet better flavor, healthier, and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or shells, rotini, penne)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or mix with mozzarella/Colby Jack)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef, break apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in chopped onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.
Add tomato paste and stir well.
Pour in broth and milk, then add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet.
Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and stir often while pasta cooks until tender.
Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust flavors to taste.
Serve warm straight from the skillet with salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add more cheese. To make it lighter, use lean ground turkey or add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. For spicier flavor, add chili powder, hot sauce, or jalapeños.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 80mg