Dinner

Best Hamburger Helper Recipe

ByZoe Lane October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Introduction

This Best Hamburger Helper is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, cheesy sauce, and a hint of paprika, it’s an easy homemade version of a beloved classic.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with rigatoni pasta layered with melted cheese on top, browned ground beef sprinkled over and mixed within, and garnished with small pieces of chopped green herbs. The cheese is golden and gooey, melting smoothly over the pasta tubes which are a light creamy color with a firm texture. The ground beef is cooked well, dark brown with a slightly crumbly look. The dish is set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. If you like, add olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper to evenly coat the beef mixture.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and milk, then stir in the uncooked pasta.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
Step 8: Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Use different cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterrey Jack for a unique twist.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth by a quarter cup or cook uncovered for a few minutes after the pasta is tender.

Storage

Store leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with baked pasta showing two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy pasta tubes with melted cheese coating them, and the top layer consists of browned ground beef mixed with finely chopped green herbs, sprinkled with a light dusting of paprika or chili powder. The colors are warm with yellow cheese, brown beef, and green herbs providing contrast. The texture looks soft and creamy with slightly crispy edges on some pasta pieces. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni that cook well simmered in liquids.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with sour cream or heavy cream if preferred. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.