Cue all of the nostalgic feelings because Hamburger Helper is making a comeback — and this One-Pot Hamburger Helper is still just as simple.
Raise your hands if you grew up on Hamburger Helper? My momma made it all the time and I mean, we can all agree that stuff is freaking delicious and pretty genius! But good grief, if I only knew then what I knew now I would have NEVER put that stuff in my body. It is just packed full of fake and horrible ingredients! So let’s clean it up with this One-Pot Hamburger Helper.
But, Hamburger Helper is freaking delicious, easy, and saves a Mom’s life for dinner when she doesn’t have time to think or cook dinner! So Amen to that. However, I made this clean version for my kiddos the other day, and WOW, its delicious. Plus, it doesn’t take any longer than the toxic filled boxed version! So you momma’s out there with picky kids and husbands, rejoice! This is the answer to your prayers.
I’ve told you many times that my favorite brand of gluten-free pasta I use in my house is Jovial Brown Rice Pasta. It only has two ingredients (organic rice flour + water) and the taste and texture is outstanding. I buy mine at Whole Foods and I use it in this dish to keep it gluten-free and clean. Also, if you are a dairy-free family– you’ll see that the dairy I included in the dish is optional.
So here we have it: a one-pot, easy, delicious Hamburger Helper that your kids will say DANGGGG GIRRRL.. haha, maybe they won’t say that but they will definitely say positive things and you only have to dirty up one skillet to make it. I just LOVE it.
If you enjoyed this One-Pot Hamburger Helper, try my other one-pot meals!
One-Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 12 oz. dried elbow pasta (I use Jovial Brown Rice Pasta for Gluten-Free) *regular pasta or even chickpea pasta works here
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk *for dairy-free, sub 2 cups almond milk or just do 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, omit for dairy-free
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, and ground beef. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Saute, breaking up the ground beef with the back of a spoon, until the beef is cooked through, no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if necessary (I like to keep at least 2 tbsp in there for added flavor).
- Add in the tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add the pasta, the beef broth and the milk and Stir to combine. Bring contents in the pot to a boil and once boiling, reduce the heat to a very subtle simmer and let cook until pasta is tender, stirring very often, until most of the liquid has absorbed and the pasta is al dente, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and fold in the cheese. Garnish with parsley, if using.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Photography by Eat Love Eats.
101 Comments
Ashley
May 19, 2023 at 5:48 amThis recipe ticks all the boxes. The whole family loves it.
Caitlin
December 30, 2022 at 11:37 pmThis is on the weekly dinner rotation because we love it so much! So easy for a busy weeknight meal. Also is great for cooking up any veggies you need to get rid in the fridge 🙂
Alex
January 1, 2023 at 11:11 pmSo glad you love!
Erin Dubs
September 30, 2022 at 2:41 pmVery yummy and comforting, my high schooler had 3 large helpings… so much left overs. 🙂
Jill
September 29, 2022 at 9:28 pmSo delicious! Brought me right back to childhood.
Taylor
September 21, 2022 at 10:50 pmThis was delicious! My kids loved it! I seemed to have had the opposite problem as some and rather than the liquid not absorbing, mine seemed really dry and wasn’t creamy at all! Still had great flavor, but the beef and noodles were completely separate, as if the noodles soaked everything up. I used everything exactly in the recipe other than the cheese and cooked the time recommended as well. Any ideas on why it didn’t turn out creamy?
Alex
September 22, 2022 at 6:07 pmHi Taylor! What type of noodles did you use? I am surprised it didn’t absorb because, like you mentioned, usually people have the other problem. It makes me think the noodles you used weren’t starchy enough to add a creaminess to the liquid or soak it up!
Taylor
September 27, 2022 at 4:14 pmHi Alex,
I used a Barilla Elbows. Do you have one that you would recommend though?
Elizabeth Garrison
October 11, 2022 at 10:25 pmThe first time I made this recipe I used the entire box/bag of pasta – which is 16 oz. I had similar result as you. The n realized it calls for 12 oz of pasta. Maybe you made the same mistake I did?
Sarah
October 19, 2022 at 10:31 pmHi Alex! This was delish! Do you have the nutritional facts for this recipe? Thanks so much!
Dana
July 11, 2022 at 11:47 pmThis is so delicious! I’ve also made a spicy chicken version! I swapped the beef for chicken, beef broth for chicken broth, ran out of tomato paste (so I used Huy Fong Chili Garlic Sauce), and followed the recipe the rest of the way. Yum!!
Caroline Mitchell
July 4, 2022 at 5:04 pmI added a jalapeño, mushrooms, carrots and greens. I also added better than bouillon beef instead of salt. Nice hearty recipe.
gabbi
June 9, 2022 at 1:07 ami made it with impossible meat and veggie broth and it was SO good !! i was happily surprised because a lot of recipes like this don’t work super well with meat substitutes but i’m so happy 🙂 and i have leftovers for a while!
Nicole Woods
April 8, 2022 at 4:43 pmDelicious and simple! Good for the whole family and makes easy leftovers. My kids love.
Amy
March 21, 2022 at 11:06 pmThis is my boys’ favorite meal! We eat it at least twice a week! I make it with ground turkey and everyone loves it
Katie
March 21, 2022 at 10:25 pmA new husband favorite!! And it will be a recipe he can make 🤣🙌🏼 But seriously it’s amazing and so easy!! And it’s nice to eat a healthier version of my favorite childhood dinner. 💕💕 THANKS, ALEX!!
Kaitlin
March 16, 2022 at 5:39 pmWe’ve made this several times and it’s a hit for us! I love that it’s easy to tweak with what I have on hand. I’ve used rice milk or soy milk, beef or pork, added mushrooms, spinach, and frozen peas. It’s a great framework to play with!
Gina
January 25, 2022 at 12:52 amWe make this a few times a month and I’ve passed it on to my SIL and their family loves it as well! We use Oatmilk and GF pasta and it comes out delicious every time!
Jenny
June 8, 2022 at 1:48 amThis recipe is fantastic and blows the boxed stuff out of the water. This is the second time in about a week I’ve made this recipe, so I wanted to share something I discovered when I realized I didn’t buy milk. If you double the beef stock and use about 2 ounces of cream cheese as well as a tablespoon of butter, you get a fantastically thick and creamy sauce – much better than what you get with the milk! Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. I like to add carrots, broccoli, and peas as well. It really works well. I’m curious if I can convert this to a low-carb meal as well! Anyway, thanks again. I’ll certainly be using this recipe again and again. (Tip: take Gina’s recommendation of the fresh parsley – it totally transforms the dish!!)
Emily
January 20, 2022 at 4:42 pmWe make this once a week every week! It comes out perfectly every time.
M
January 19, 2022 at 2:14 amAnother winner! Love that these are simple pantry staples and that it’s one pot. Thank you!!
Shannon
January 16, 2022 at 12:30 pmSoooo good – and my 3yo asked to eat it every day! I don’t think it needs cheese, is totally delicious without! Just needed a bit more salt and pepper for our taste. Thanks for this!!!
Janis
January 14, 2022 at 2:25 amAdded in some frozen veg (carrots, corn, beans & peas) when I added in the pasta. Turned out super easy!
Jen Miller
December 28, 2021 at 11:26 pmLove this recipe! It is a go-to everyone loves! Thank you!!
Kristina
December 20, 2021 at 2:32 pmMy husband LOVED this dish. He has requested it be in rotation now. It tasted better than the box kind and of course this was a childhood favorite/staple in our home! Thank you for re-creating!
chelsea kendrick
December 26, 2021 at 11:06 pmOkay Alex, I made this as a nostalgic Christmas meal with a side of veggies and it was absolutely perfect. Hit the spot (nostalgia, comfort and delicious), topped with crystal hot sauce of course:). Thank you for this gem!
Lauren
December 19, 2021 at 1:24 amAmazing, so easy!!! Made this for myself and very excited to have leftovers for a couple of days.
Courtney Soren
November 14, 2021 at 7:48 pmWhat and HOW is this so good. It’s so spot on to the good ol box. Incredible. Alex never disappoints!
Jamie Anderson
December 3, 2021 at 1:15 amSo good! My kids loved it and kept coming back for more. Thank you so much!
Brooke
November 9, 2021 at 12:26 amI’ve been making this in my family’s rotation for about a year now and it is always a hit! I always use 4 cups of broth instead of the milk and have used all kinds of pastas with success. It’s simple but delicious and love that it’s one pot!
Debbie Walker
October 21, 2021 at 12:52 amI made this last night for dinner. It was super yummy and it made so much I think the Hubs & I will be eating it all week! Can’t wait for your new book.
*Fun Fact – we used to live in Celina, I remember your wedding fireworks very well! We lived close to the P.O., so we heard them! 😉
Alex
October 21, 2021 at 11:37 amaw so fun! and thank you! so glad you enjoyed the dish! 🙂 xoxo
Janel Dube
October 20, 2021 at 3:21 amI used egg noodles, cows milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and a tablespoon of sour cream. Excellent, will make again.
Lauren
October 5, 2021 at 8:33 pmI love love love this recipe. It’s easy to make, tastes awesome, is easy to fit in with my macros, and even passes the picky husband test.
Jenny Stewart
September 28, 2021 at 8:09 pmLet me preface this review and say.. Alex, have you tried this recipe with the Banza chickpea noodles? I know you typically use Jovial gluten free, so I am going to assume this recipe was awful [for me] because of the chickpea noodles.
Anyways, was super excited to make this! Followed the recipe EXACTLY, BUT, I used chickpea noodles as deemed “acceptable.” It was AWFUL! My son gagged on it, my husband said it looked like dog vomit, and the 3 other adults could barely stomach it. Worst of all– I was so excited to make this that I doubled the recipe! What a waste of good ingredients. I threw the entire potful of food away. I really think the chickpea noodles gave it a weird texture and messed with the sauce. I love Alex’s recipes but this one was really awful (again.. probably the chickpea pasta’s fault, but I’m not going to try it with regular pasta for fear of wasting more groceries again).
Alex
September 28, 2021 at 8:33 pmHi Jenny,
So sorry that it was a MISS for you and your family! This is one of my families favorites! I do agree that chickpea pasta isn’t tasty, personally. My kids also don’t love it; however, I know so many folks love it and use it in this recipe–which is why I deemed acceptable. But it’ll be good for others to see your review as a very strong WARNING not to use chickpea pasta here.
Cassandra
October 16, 2021 at 11:46 pmWow I can’t disagree more to your rating! I used an 8oz box of Banza Shells and it came out great! My husband and I loved it!
Steph
August 2, 2021 at 1:51 pmThis is a family favorite with kids and adults! DF/GF: we add chopped kale, use gluten free noodles, used almond milk or Ripple, and finish with Violife cheddar — its still creamy and delish.
Susan
July 22, 2021 at 2:22 amThis was delicious! Even the picky eaters loved it! My husband grew up eating hamburger helper and always wanted me to replicate and I could never get it right. This hit the nail on the head and much healthier! This is now my go to!!
Jessica
July 9, 2021 at 4:57 pmThis is definitely a family favorite! Can this be frozen for a make-ahead meal? I’m prepping for baby #3 and was wondering if your’re reheating instructions would work from frozen as well as refrigerated?
Alex
July 27, 2021 at 8:47 pmHi Jessica! congrats on the baby!!! I honestly have never tried freezing this recipe– but don’t think it will freeze very well (since it has milk in it).
Alanna
June 17, 2021 at 12:00 pmOur family loves this recipe! It is so nostalgic and reminds me of eating Hamburger Helper growing up but I feel much better about serving this cleaned up version to my family! We make it with oat milk and it turns out beautifully every time! Thank you so much Alex!
Margaret
September 28, 2021 at 7:51 pmHi Alex, I made this with regular whole wheat penne pasta and I had trouble getting the pasta to cook down and when it did it kind of turned into mush. Should I only be using gluten-free pasta for this recipe? Is that where I went wrong? Flavor is amazing!!!
Alex
September 28, 2021 at 8:38 pmIt typically works with classic pasta, too! So I am not sure why that it did that for you!
Amy S.
June 3, 2021 at 5:57 pmThis looks so good! Do you have a recommendation for the fat content of the beef used (80/20 or 90/10) and do you drain the beef after browning, before putting the other ingredients in?
Alex
June 3, 2021 at 11:37 pmI usually grab 80/20– but any works! I honestly don’t drain unless it’s excessive fat! I will make a note sorry I forgot to include in the recipe.
Reese
April 29, 2021 at 5:37 pmHello, do you know the serving size?
Alex
April 30, 2021 at 9:04 pmThis serves 4 people.
Crystal
April 19, 2021 at 11:25 pmHi Alex! Love this recipe, it’s part of our dinner rotation! If we want to make double is it safe to double the recipe? Worried it would be too much liquid?
Alex
April 20, 2021 at 12:11 pmIt does work to double!
Allie Babb
March 24, 2021 at 8:21 pmI love this recipe and am looking for freezer meals to make before baby #2 arrives- have you tried freezing this?
Thank you!
Brittany Flora
April 28, 2021 at 5:27 pmI have the same question about this one and her one pot stroganoff! Did you end up freezing it?
Katie
February 28, 2021 at 12:59 pmMm this was so good, and brought back childhood memories. 🙂
I made a vegetarian version by using Impossible ground “beef” and vegan beef broth. Turned out great!
Carina
February 17, 2021 at 6:12 amAny tips for using ground chicken instead? Thanks!
Erika
February 12, 2021 at 1:17 amI love the pan you used to cook this in. Could you share the brand? I’ve been looking for a ceramic pan to cook these type of one pot meals in! Thank you!!
Alex
March 1, 2021 at 1:11 pmThis one is a Le Creuset.
B.s.
May 22, 2021 at 12:56 pmCan you use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Alex
May 23, 2021 at 1:48 pmYou can! It alters the flavor a bit, but it definitely works!
Melody
February 11, 2021 at 7:36 pmSo good – was a hit with both husband and toddler. Thank you! Due to multiple allergies I used oatly for the milk, ground turkey, chicken broth, and violife epic mature cheddar for the cheese and still delicious!
Sarah
February 11, 2021 at 1:23 amOk, so we LOVED this when I made it (for the first time) tonight! The only question I have is…why did it feel like something had very lightly curdled? Should I have drained the meat? Not put the lid on when it was boiling?
Alex
March 1, 2021 at 1:12 pmSo I never put the lid on, I cook this uncovered. Also– just make sure your mixture isn’t at a hard boil- it just needs to simmer while you cook, stirring often.
Stephanie
February 8, 2021 at 6:47 pmThis might be an odd question but do you think it would taste good if we subbed out ground beef for ground turkey? Or is that too much of a stretch?
Alex
March 1, 2021 at 1:13 pmIt would still be good! Beef definitely gives it some more hearty flavors– but turkey would work just fine.
Leah
March 15, 2022 at 10:08 amIs that an extra 4 cups of beef broth on top of the already added 2 cups? Or is that 4 cups altogether?
Alex
March 22, 2022 at 5:17 pm4 cups altogether.
Sydney
February 3, 2021 at 12:33 amThis hits the nostalgia spot, pasta spot, cheesy spot, delicious spot! SPOT ON, Alex!
Leslie
January 12, 2021 at 12:56 amThis was delicious and quick and easy to put together – perfect for weeknight meal. I added mushrooms and spinach and turned out great!
Lizzie
January 1, 2021 at 4:00 pmHi Alex,
I feel like a chump even having to ask, but do you have any idea where I might have gone wrong if my dish never cooked down? It was pretty liquid-y after it was all said and done. Still tasted good but nothing like the photos above or in the book. Thanks in advance! I’m going to keep trying. 🙂
Alex
January 2, 2021 at 2:31 pmWhat kind of pasta did you use? I think that would be the only reason for error here
Liz
January 14, 2022 at 6:17 pmMine was also very liquidy. Taste was good and I’ll make again but use a cup less liquid.
Sheri G
December 29, 2020 at 5:40 pmFinally commenting on this gem. I have made it so many times I have lost count. Easy, fast, made with ingredients I have on hand and delish!! I use coconut milk and it is perfection. Kid and adult friendly. Thanks for another go-to DD recipe! XOXO
Megan
December 14, 2020 at 3:27 amWill it be as creamy if you replace milk with broth?
Or would coconut milk work ?
Alex
December 15, 2020 at 1:39 amcoconut milk works (it might just shift the flavor a bit) but also broth alone works too as the starch from the pasta give it some creaminess.
Kirstin James
December 13, 2020 at 1:17 amMade this tonight and it was SO good! Made me feel like a kid again. Thanks so much for such consistently amazing recipes!
Emily
November 16, 2020 at 8:28 pmIf I’m using regular pasta, is the cooking time and amount of liquid the same?
Alex
November 28, 2020 at 2:20 pmyes it is
Haley Schulman
November 3, 2022 at 6:28 pmHave made this twice a week for 2 years! This a such a hit
Jaqulyn
December 3, 2021 at 6:40 pmWhat would the carb count be on this?
Ashley
November 15, 2020 at 6:05 amMade this for my parents tonight as my mom is home newly home recovering from spinal surgery. I took the risk and made this for them — growing up my mom hated hamburger helper. It was a huge hit with both parents and my dad who loves the original stuff is so excited to have it back on the menu. You’ve converted my mother and won my Dad’s stamp of approval.
So easy to make! Thank you
Alex
November 16, 2020 at 1:59 pmGlad you enjoyed and hope your dad has a speedy recovery!!
Renata Rampersad
October 21, 2021 at 5:19 pmHow would I get this creamier?
Brooke
November 8, 2021 at 11:20 pmI used 4cups of milk(trying to get rid of it before it spoiled) and omitted the broth…it turned out super creamy!
Debbie
October 29, 2020 at 11:19 pmDo you have instructions to do this in the instant pot? It is so delicious but I’d love to do it in my IP.😊
Alex
October 30, 2020 at 4:06 pmI haven’t yet tried it in my instant pot, im sorry!
Amanda
November 28, 2017 at 4:54 amMade this for Sunday night dinner. Huge hit, it was delish! Thanks for the inspo.
Alex
November 28, 2017 at 1:10 pmOh good!!! 🙂
Cassidy
November 16, 2017 at 1:20 amMade this tonight and it was a WINNER!! Thanks for a healthier, chemical free, and delicious option.
Alex
November 16, 2017 at 1:25 pmOh good!! I am so glad you loved it!!
Sarah
November 14, 2017 at 5:43 pmMade this last night and it was delish!! I think next time I will add a can of diced tomatos and some cajun seasoning to spice it up a little.
Kelsey Ray
November 14, 2017 at 2:35 pmHello! I was wanting to make this this week. Probably a dumb question but… do you cook the pasta separate then add it in?
Alex
November 14, 2017 at 2:54 pmNo, the pasta cooks in the liquid directly in the pot with the other ingredients.
Jaclyn Pinkham
November 8, 2017 at 12:18 amI made this tonight and it was INCREDIBLE! Thank you for sharing!
I subbed regular milk for unsweetened almond milk and it worked!
Alex
November 8, 2017 at 1:15 pmOh good!! I am glad the almond milk was a success!! 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Julie Ragains
November 6, 2017 at 6:51 pmMy husband happened to be looking over my shoulder as I was watching your Instagram story about this and he freaked! He used to love Hamburger Helper as a kid. I had no idea. But I’ve never seen him get so excited about something food related. I cannot wait to make this for him. I’m thinking of stirring in a box of spinach to give it a bit more of a nutritional punch!
Alex
November 7, 2017 at 1:24 pmhaha, i love it!! hubby’s seem to be going crazy for this recipe here,which is always a win! and yes, adding any sort of veggie you want is a great idea!! love the idea of adding spinach 🙂 ENJOY!
Jenna
November 6, 2017 at 1:57 amThis was dynamite! Totally reminded me of eating hamburger helper back in the day but don’t have to worry about what’s in it this way. So delicious! Whole family loved it!
Alex
November 6, 2017 at 1:59 pmOh, yay!! I am so glad! Thank you, Jenna!
Haley
November 5, 2017 at 5:25 pmCan’t wait to try this soon! Thanks for posting! I’m assuming for the dairy free version you use 4 TOTAL cups of beef broth – not 4 cups (ilo milk) + the other 2 cups of broth already called for?
Alex
November 6, 2017 at 2:00 pmyes, you are correct. I will clarify that on the recipe thanks for pointing that out! 4 cups total of beef broth if you go dairy free 🙂
Tiffany Nickle
November 4, 2017 at 8:53 pmMade this for dinner tonight. DELISH! Thanks for sharing!
Alex
November 6, 2017 at 2:00 pmOh Good! I am so glad you enjoyed it!