Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe

If you grew up eating Hamburger Helper as a kid, have I got the recipe for you! This copycat version of Hamburger Helper is so quick and easy, you will wonder why you ever used the store bought stuff to begin with. Not only can you make it without having to run to the grocery store, but this homemade version is way better!

I used traditional elbow macaroni for my pasta, but any short shape will do. Egg noodles would be perfect. And you can vary the spices when making the powdered mix. Just be sure to cook the meat sauce long enough so the mealy taste of the spices and flour get cooked out.

This recipe calls for cheddar cheese, and I recommend using a sharp old cheddar for the tangiest flavour. You can use any firm cheese you want; a jalapeno Havarti or smoked Gouda would add a decadent twist. And if you want a gooier textured Hamburger Helper use half cheddar and half mozzarella. It will be nice and stringy when you gobble it up!

I hope you’ll give this Hamburger Helper copycat a shot, and if you do let me know how it turned out for you!

Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe

This homemade version of your childhood favourite will have you making it over and over. You will never use the store bought version again.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped medium
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock plus more for thinning
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups macaroni, uncooked
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon salt plus more for seasoning

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet on medium high and add oil. Add ground beef and cook until all pink is gone and beef begins to turn brown. Drain fat if necessary. Add onions and salt and cook stirring frequently until onions begin to turn translucent.
• In a small bowl combine chili powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and all purpose flour. Whisk until well combined.
• Once onions are translucent, add garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle spice mixture over the ground beef and stir for 1 minute until well mixed and spices are toasted. Stir in tomato paste, then add beef stock and milk. Stir together well and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, checking frequently so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. Add more beef stock or water if necessary.
• Add macaroni and stir well. Cover and allow to simmer another 8-10 minutes or until the macaroni has cooked almost completely. This timeframe might vary depending on the brand of your macaroni. It should be about ¾ cooked. Add cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 minutes or until macaroni is fully cooked.

Keyword ground beef, hamburger, macaroni, pasta