If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, you can’t go wrong with the Best Hamburger Helper. This dish combines the hearty flavors of ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta into one delightful skillet meal. It’s not only easy to make, but it also simplifies cleanup, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Why Make This Recipe

The Best Hamburger Helper stands out because it offers a comforting, home-cooked meal in just one pot. With minimal prep and cooking times, you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes! Plus, it can easily be customized to suit your family’s taste preferences. Whether you enjoy extra spices or love loading on additional veggies, this recipe is versatile enough to allow for creativity while still delivering the nostalgia of a beloved childhood favorite.

How to Make Best Hamburger Helper

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in uncooked pasta.
Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted.
Add shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Turn off heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Best Hamburger Helper

Serve the Best Hamburger Helper hot, straight from the skillet, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal. Leftover Hamburger Helper can also be reheated easily, so don’t be afraid to make a larger batch!

How to Store Best Hamburger Helper

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture if needed. If you want to freeze it, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container where it can be stored for up to 2–3 months. Thaw before reheating for best results.

Tips to Make Best Hamburger Helper

For added nutrition, consider mixing in some frozen or fresh vegetables like peas or broccoli during the final cooking stage.
Experiment with different types of cheese to change the flavor profile; Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist.
If you like a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dish.

Variation

Create a Mexican twist on this dish by replacing some ingredients with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and a mix of pepper jack cheese and cheddar. Top with avocado or sour cream when serving for a flavorful variation.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Adjust cooking times if necessary, ensuring the meat is fully cooked.

2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold the sauce and flavors well.

3. Can I make Hamburger Helper ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Just follow the cooking instructions, cool, and store it in the fridge for later heating.

Best Hamburger Helper

A quick and satisfying one-pot meal that combines ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
2 cups short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbow) Short pasta shapes work best.
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk Use full-fat milk for creaminess.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese.
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for cooking)
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef.
Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir in uncooked pasta.
Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When pasta is tender, reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted.
Add shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Turn off heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider mixing in some frozen or fresh vegetables like peas or broccoli during the final cooking stage. If you like a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.