Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper, also known as cheesy taco pasta, is a childhood favorite!

A fad in the 1970s, this throwback recipe is full of nostalgia. The original cheeseburger casserole, boxed pasta with a seasoning packet, is a simple one pot meal. Quick and easy to make, assemble this healthier version in 30 minutes!

PIN HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER TO MAKE IT LATER!

HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER INGREDIENTS

This cheeseburger casserole captures iconic Hamburger Helper flavors with common spices from your pantry. This popular taco pasta is elevated with the use of fresh ingredients that replace the powdered spice packet. It’s a healthier one-pot meal you’ll feel good about serving to your family!

• Olive oil
• Lean ground beef
• Small onion
• Garlic cloves
• Paprika
• OPTIONAL: chili powder
• Cornstarch
• Dried oregano
• Sea Salt
• Freshly-ground black pepper
• Granulated sugar
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Cellentani pasta or elbow macaroni
• Sour cream
• Medium cheddar cheese
• Fresh Italian parsley

MORE PASTA RECIPES

If you love this cheesy taco pasta, you’ll enjoy these too!

• JALAPENO POPPER MAC AND CHEESE
• LEMON PASTA WITH CRISPY SALAMI
• THIS NOODLE SOUP recipe that went viral on Pinterest!
• TUNA PASTA SALAD WITH CAPERS
• COLD SPAGHETTI SALAD

HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER RECIPE

Turn a pound of ground beef into a one-pot meal for five with this easy taco pasta recipe! Here’s how to do it:

• STEP 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Saute these fresh ingredients for one minute.
• STEP 2: Add ground beef to the skillet. With a wooden spoon break up the meat as it cooks. Once there is no more pink, drain off the fat.
• STEP 3: Sprinkle in cornstarch, sugar and spices. Stir to incorporate.
• STEP 4: Pour in the beef broth. Add the tomato sauce. Stir to mix.

ONE POT CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE

Follow these easy step-by-step instructions for making this delicious taco pasta cheeseburger casserole. Homemade Hamburger Helper might just become one of your favorite one-pot meals!

• STEP 1: Add pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
• STEP 2: Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Allow it to simmer uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• STEP 3: Turn off the heat. Fold in sour cream and shredded cheese. Briefly cover skillet with a lid until the cheese melts.
• STEP 4: Just before serving, sprinkle the top of your Hamburger Helper with freshly-chopped Italian parsley.

HOW TO MAKE HAMBURGER HELPER HEALTHIER

Want a leaner spin on this homemade Hamburger Helper recipe? Try these healthy tips:

• Instead of ground beef use ground chicken or turkey.
• Use fresh ingredients like onion, garlic and celery.
• Add in veggies: cubed carrots, zucchini, mushrooms or broccoli. When using add-ins, you may need to increase the liquid (broth or water).
• Use whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta.
• Use reduced-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
• Stir in chopped kale or spinach before you add in the cheese.

EXPERT TIPS FOR TACO PASTA

There’s something very satisfying about making and serving a delicious home-cooked meal. This Homemade Hamburger Helper is warm, tasty and comforting. Here are some helpful tips to make this cheeseburger casserole the best it can be!

• PREVENT A GREASY TEXTURE: After cooking the beef, drain off the fat! This is also an easy way to make one-pot meals healthier.
• WANT A CRUNCHY TEXTURE? Sprinkle homemade breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese over the top of the cheesy taco pasta. Slide your oven-safe skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
• READY FOR NEW FLAVOR COMBINATIONS? Add a teaspoon of basil or Italian seasoning. Ramp up the heat with a few sprinklings of chipotle pepper. Stir in fire-roasted green chiles!
• CRAVE A CHEESY ONE-POT MEAL? Garnish your Hamburger Helper with a generous sprinkling of cheese on top. Try Monterey Jack on this taco pasta!
• CAN HAMBURGER HELPER BE FROZEN: This is not recommended. The cooked pasta in this dish does not hold up well when frozen. When reheated the texture of the pasta may be soft and mushy.
• WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHEESEBURGER CASSEROLE: A fresh garden salad with homemade Italian dressing. Serve steamed veggies like brussel sprouts, broccoli or cauliflower. Try sauteed green beans, or roasted asparagus with a delightful squeeze of lemon juice.

ANOTHER DELICIOUS ONE-POT MEAL >> New Orleans Jambalaya!

I WANT WHAT SHE HAS

Beautiful high-quality kitchen tools bring so much happiness to the kitchen! I’ve been slowly replacing old kitchen items with new tools that are a joy to use. Here’s what I used to make this easy Hamburger Helper one-pot meal:

• STAUB UNIVERSAL PAN
• WOODEN SPATULA
• FLOUR SACK TOWELS
• RECIPE BOX
• RECIPE CARDS

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