This One Pot Hamburger Helper is creamy, cheesy, full of flavor, and made completely from scratch in just one pan. It’s an easy dinner the whole family will love, and so much better than the boxed version. Ground beef and tender pasta cook together in a simple tomato and cheddar sauce for a comforting meal that’s kid-approved, adult-approved, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Hamburger Helper:
There are some nights when you just need dinner to be easy. This is one of those recipes I keep around for exactly that reason. It’s made with simple ingredients, comes together in one pan, and doesn’t require cooking the pasta separately. Here’s why we love it:
- One-pan dinner: The beef, sauce, and pasta all cook in the same skillet.
- Family-friendly: Creamy pasta, ground beef, and plenty of cheddar make this an easy win with kids.
- Made from scratch: You get all the comfort of classic Hamburger Helper using simple ingredients from your kitchen.
- Easy cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes at the end of the night.
- Ready quickly: It’s a great option when you need to get dinner on the table without spending all evening in the kitchen.
- Easy to customize: Toss in some vegetables or switch up the cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Avocado oil: Used to sauté the onion before adding the beef. Olive oil or butter works here too.
- Yellow onion: Adds flavor and a little sweetness to the base of the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds plenty of flavor without overpowering the sauce. You can also use 1 tsp of garlic powder if needed.
- Ground beef: I use one pound of ground beef for a hearty, filling dinner. Ground turkey works as well.
- Sea salt, paprika, oregano, and black pepper: A simple combination of seasonings gives the beef and sauce plenty of flavor. For sea salt, we use Redmond sea salt, it’s our favorite and we use it in everything! You can use the code daddioskitchen for 15% off. We get the big bag!
- Worcestershire sauce: This is a small ingredient that makes a big difference. It adds a savory depth to the beef and tomato sauce for this one pot hamburger helper.
- Tomato sauce: Creates the tomato base without making the dish overly chunky.
- Chicken broth: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, so the broth provides the extra liquid it needs while adding flavor.
- Whole milk: Makes the finished sauce creamy without needing heavy cream.
- Elbow pasta: Classic Hamburger Helper territory. The small noodles cook quickly and hold onto plenty of that cheesy sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Two cups of shredded cheddar make the sauce creamy and cheesy. Freshly shredded cheese melts best.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but I like adding a little on top before serving.
What to Serve With One Pot Hamburger Helper:
This is already a pretty hearty dinner, so I like to keep the sides simple. Serve it with steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, peas, a simple salad, or whatever vegetable your family likes. And some warm bread with butter never hurts.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers:
Store leftover Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue absorbing some of the sauce while it sits, so leftovers will usually be thicker than they were the first night. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and stir everything together. That will help loosen the sauce and bring back some of its original creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Other small pasta shapes should work, but cooking times and the amount of liquid needed can vary. Keep an eye on the skillet and add a small splash of broth or milk if the pasta needs additional cooking time.
Why is my Hamburger Helper too runny?
Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. The sauce will continue thickening as it sits. If it’s still too thin, let it cook uncovered over low heat for another minute or two.
Why is my Hamburger Helper too thick?
The pasta may have absorbed more liquid than expected. Simply stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth until the sauce reaches the consistency you want.
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One Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp sea salt divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth more if needed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz elbow pasta uncooked
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (per your preference)
- Fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with ½ teaspoon of the sea salt, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and whole milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the uncooked elbow pasta and remaining ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 8–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Remove from the heat and let the Hamburger Helper rest for 2–3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Top with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
