Homemade Hamburger Helper

The old school dinner in a box is getting a makeover! This gluten-free HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER will bring back all the nostalgic feelings, but none of the not so great ingredients.

Made with simple pantry staples, seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this one-pot dinner comes together quickly while delivering the same nostalgic flavors many people grew up enjoying. It's an easy weeknight recipe that's satisfying, family-friendly, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

One of the best things about making Hamburger Helper from scratch is having complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the seasonings to your family's taste, use your favorite type of pasta, swap in different cheeses, or even add vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra nutrition. Without preservatives or packaged seasoning mixes, the flavors taste fresher while still capturing the classic creamy, cheesy goodness everyone expects.

This recipe is also perfect for busy evenings because everything cooks in a single pot, keeping cleanup to a minimum. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs the flavorful broth and seasonings, creating a thick, velvety sauce that coats every bite. Whether you're feeding hungry kids, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for an affordable dinner idea, Homemade Hamburger Helper is a reliable recipe you can depend on to be a favorite.

INGREDIENTS

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 lb ground beef

1/2 cup yellow onion, diced

2 Tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp smoked paprika

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt, more to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 cups beef broth (I use Kettle & Fire)

1 cup heavy cream

1 (12 oz) box dried gluten-free elbow pasta (I use Jovial brand)

2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Fresh parsley, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE

-Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat.

-Add ground beef and onions, and cook until beef is browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

-Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

-Add in beef broth and heavy cream, and turn heat to high to bring to a boil.

-Once boiling, add in pasta, and reduce heat to a simmer.

-Simmer uncovered until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

-Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.

-Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!