Using this recipe, you can make your own homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Pasta copycat meal. When I was a kid, Beef Pasta Hamburger Helper was a family favorite (at least for the kids.) Now most any pre-packaged meal seems so unhealthy as I’m pretty sure there is a preservative in there somewhere. I’m not sure if that is the case with Hamburger Helper, but I remember it having so much flavor.
Then I started thinking of a hack, what if I were to make the mix homemade and add hamburger and noodles wouldn’t it be much healthier? I started looking through my copycat cookbooks and on the internet for the recipe. First, you know exactly what is in your dinner and it’s fresher and most likely has better ingredients than what you might have found at the grocery store.
Check out our crowd favorite recipe, Grape Jelly Meatballs.
The Benefits of Homemade Beef Pasta
When you opt for homemade hamburger helper over the boxed version, you’re in for a tastier and healthier meal. First and foremost, the flavor is richer, and you have full control over the seasoning. Say goodbye to preservatives and hello to a dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. Plus, the homemade version can be easily adapted to various dietary preferences and restrictions.
The benefits don’t stop there. Making your own version allows you to use lean ground beef, reducing the fat content of the dish. Additionally, this recipe, also known as “Cheeseburger Pasta” according to the author’s kids, captures that classic taste while offering endless
opportunities for customization.
If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, this copycat beef pasta recipe is the perfect one-pot meal. It’s quick, convenient, and satisfying, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Now that you know the benefits, let’s move on to choosing the right ingredients in this homemade hamburger helper recipe.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Selecting the right ingredients starts with picking the best pasta and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. For the pasta, you’ll want something that absorbs the sauce well and complements the other ingredients.
As for the seasonings, you can customize them according to your desired flavor profile, whether you prefer a classic boxed hamburger helper taste or something a bit more adventurous.
Pasta Options
When it comes to choosing the right pasta for your homemade hamburger helper recipe, shells, elbow, penne, or other small noodles that absorb sauce well are ideal options. However, you can also experiment with wide egg noodles, elbow macaroni, bowtie pasta, or even rotini pasta. The key is to select a pasta that will hold its shape and soak up the delicious sauce while cooking.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different types of pasta to find your perfect match. No matter which pasta you choose, make sure to add some shredded cheddar cheese for a delicious cheesy flavor. With the right pasta in hand, let’s explore some seasoning variations for your beef pasta.
Seasoning Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, especially when compared to its store-bought counterpart, boxed version. You can easily switch up the seasonings to create a unique flavor profile that caters to your taste buds. Some popular seasoning options include Italian seasoning, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or tomato paste.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and seasonings to find your ideal flavor. Remember, the key to a delicious meal is customizing it to suit your preferences. With the right pasta and seasonings selected, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step recipe.
Step-by-Step Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
Making your homemade hamburger helper is a breeze with this step-by-step guide. The process involves cooking the ground beef, preparing the sauce, and combining all the ingredients for a mouthwatering one-pot meal. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner that rivals the boxed stuff in no time.
Here’s the best I could do with my easy Hamburger Helper copycat but I think I did pretty good! Let me know how you like it or how you adapted it to your own liking.
Our Homemade Hamburger Helper with Egg Noodles – Beef Pasta Version
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups hot water
- 3 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 small diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 8 ounces egg noodles
Instructions:
To start your beef pasta, brown ground beef with garlic and onion and drain. Mix hot water with bullion, cornstarch, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce together in bowl. Move browned beef and garlic to a pot and add liquid from bowl. Bring to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook until tender (about 15 minutes). Serve.
Don’t take my word for it, grab your skillet and try these recipes and hacks! It’s quick, easy and delicious. Who doesn’t have 30 minutes to make a meal? Ok, most moms… I get it, but it is a healthier option than take out or fast food and tastes better.
Cooking the Ground Beef
The first step is browning the ground beef with onions and garlic for added flavor. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, make sure to drain any excess fat before proceeding.
With the ground beef cooked and ready, it’s time to prepare the sauce.
Preparing the Sauce
To prepare the sauce for your, you’ll need to combine flour, beef broth, tomato sauce, and your chosen seasonings. Start by mixing the flour and cooking it for a minute before adding the beef broth and bringing the mixture to a boil.
Feel free to tweak the seasonings to your liking, ensuring the sauce captures your desired flavor profile. Once the sauce is prepared, it’s time to combine all the ingredients and cook your delicious homemade hamburger helper.
Combining Ingredients and Cooking
With your ground beef and sauce ready, it’s time to add the pasta, liquid, and seasonings to the mix. Stir everything together, then place a lid on your skillet and let the mixture sauté for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
If you find that the pasta is not yet cooked and needs more liquid, simply add 1/4 cup of water and continue to simmer. Once the pasta is cooked through, your homemade hamburger helper is ready to be served and enjoyed.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Hamburger Helper
When it comes to serving your homemade hamburger helper, consider pairing it with a side salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, or a fruit salad for a balanced meal. These sides not only provide a well-rounded dining experience, but also add a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
Another great way to elevate your homemade hamburger helper is by garnishing with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top. These simple touches can take your dish to the next level and impress your family or guests.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of your homemade hamburger helper, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months if you prefer. When it’s time to reheat your leftovers, simply pop individual servings in the microwave or reheat on the stove for best results.
Keep in mind that the noodles may become a bit soggy when reheating, as they’ll continue to absorb the sauce while stored in the fridge. However, the flavors should still remain delicious and satisfying.
Alternative One Pot Meal Ideas
Looking for more easy dinner ideas using ground beef? There are plenty of alternative one-pot meal options to explore. For instance, you can try your hand at making beef stroganoff or chili mac, both of which are comforting and filling dishes that can be easily prepared on a busy weeknight using cooked ground beef.
These one-pot meal ideas offer a variety of flavors and textures, allowing you to switch up your dinner routine and keep things interesting. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen, experimenting with different ground beef recipes that your whole family will love.
Transforming Hamburger Helper into Beef Stroganoff
If you’re a fan of beef stroganoff, you can easily transform your homemade hamburger helper into a hamburger helper beef stroganoff. Simply add sour cream and mushrooms to the recipe for a delicious twist on the classic hamburger helper.
Cook the ground beef with mushrooms, garlic, and chopped onion, then add beef broth, sour cream, and egg noodles to the mixture. Simmer until the noodles are tender, and voila! You’ve just turned your homemade hamburger helper into a scrumptious beef stroganoff that’s sure to impress.
Making your own homemade hamburger helper is not only a healthier and more flavorful alternative to the boxed version, but it also allows for endless customization and creativity. By following our step-by-step guide and experimenting with different pasta and seasoning options, you can create a delicious one-pot meal that caters to your taste buds and dietary preferences. So why not give this homemade beef pasta recipe a try and see how it compares to the classic version from your childhood? You might just discover a new family favorite!
How do you make hamburger helper taste like it used to?
To make Hamburger Helper taste like it used to, use stock instead of water and enhance flavors with extra cheese, herbs, sour cream, and fire roasted tomatoes.
Adding these ingredients will give the dish a richer flavor and make it more enjoyable.
Do you cook the pasta first for hamburger helper?
No, you don’t need to cook the pasta beforehand for Hamburger Helper; just add the uncooked pasta to the other ingredients and cook them together.
Do you have to add ground beef to hamburger helper?
No, you don’t have to add ground beef to hamburger helper – you can easily substitute with any ground meat of your choice or even go without meat.
Get creative and add a fresh twist to Helper tonight!
How to doctor up hamburger helper beef pasta?
Make Hamburger. Helper taste better by using stock instead of water and adding extra cheese, herbs, and sour cream.
For an even more flavorful dish, try adding diced onions, garlic, and mushrooms to the mix.
For a healthier version, use lean ground beef and low-fat cheese.
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of ground meat like chicken or turkey instead of beef in the recipe.
What is Homemade Hamburger Helper?
Homemade Hamburger Helper is a healthier, tastier, and fresh version of the boxed Hamburger Helper. It typically consists of ground beef, pasta, and a savory sauce, with variations including different types of cheeses, spices, and other ingredients for added flavor.
Can I substitute the ground beef in Homemade Hamburger Helper?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian alternative like lentils or plant-based ground meat substitutes.
How long does it take to cook Homemade Hamburger Helper?
Homemade Hamburger Helper usually takes about 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and convenient meal option.
How can I store leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper?
Leftover Homemade Hamburger Helper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it up in a pan over low heat.
Can I make Homemade Hamburger Helper ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Homemade Hamburger Helper ahead of time. Cook it as per the recipe instructions, allow it to cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Leave a comment telling us how it was , if you changed it and why.
5 Comments
This was awesome. The second time I made it I replaced half the water with milk and added a pinch of nutmeg and crushed red pepper. My husband loved that.
That looks really good. I need to try it and I have always loved Hamburger Helper. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
I have tried A LOT of mock Hamburger Helper recipes. There is not one that has actually tasted like the boxed kind.
This one totally does. My young HH addict self is thrilled. Thank you!!
Fantastic recipe, I will have to give it a go. My son will love it!
I am very picky when it comes to pasta recipes since I am Italian. This one looks good, I might try it