Homemade Hamburger Helper

Name: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: cooking spray (or olive oil); 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape); 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp kosher salt; 3/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); pinch crushed red pepper flakes; 2 1/2 cups milk; 1 1/2 cups water; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prep:5minCook:20min

This homemade Hamburger Helper skips the packet and uses a simple spice blend to build real flavor. One skillet, 25 minutes, and no mystery ingredients.

Updated at: Fri, 17 Jul 2026 00:05:18 GMT