Dinner

Best Hamburger Helper Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon October 16, 2025October 16, 2025

Introduction

This Best Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting, cheesy skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender pasta and flavorful ground beef in a creamy sauce, it’s a homemade version of a classic favorite that the whole family will love.

The image shows a white plate filled with rigatoni pasta mixed with layers of browned ground beef, melted cheese that looks creamy and bubbly, and small green parsley pieces sprinkled on top. The rigatoni pasta is a light golden color, and the ground beef is dark brown, adding texture and contrast to the dish. Some parts of the cheese are slightly browned, giving a crispy look. The plate is set on 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.
Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in paprika, salt, and pepper to season the 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 and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Step 7: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Step 8: Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil before adding the beef.
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
Mix in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat in your dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The dish shows a close-up view of rigatoni pasta mixed with ground beef and melted cheese, topped with small green parsley pieces and sprinkled with a light dusting of red spice. The rigatoni pasta is light beige with a slightly glossy texture, and the ground beef is dark brown, scattered evenly among the pasta. The melted cheese forms a creamy yellow layer that binds the pasta and beef together, giving a rich and soft look. The dish is presented on a white plate, set on 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 other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or fusilli works well since they hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free, though the texture and flavor might vary slightly.