Homemade Hamburger Helper (Budget-Friendly, One-Pot Meal!)

Written By Lauren Fieldbinder

Craving a creamy, comforting dinner that doesn’t drain your wallet? This Homemade Hamburger Helper delivers all the flavor of the classic boxed meal — but better, fresher, and just as easy.

At about $4.50 per serving (and even cheaper with simple swaps), this one-pot dinner is a weeknight lifesaver. Rich, cheesy, and satisfying, it’s a family favorite that comes together in 30 minutes flat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 lb ground chicken (adds lean protein and stretches your dollar)

  • ½ onion, finely diced

  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

  • 4 cups beef broth

  • 2 cups water

  • 1 lb cavatappi noodles (or elbow macaroni)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend)

Budget Breakdown

At around $4.50 per serving, this meal feeds a family on a budget — and it’s far more wholesome than the boxed version.

Want to make it for even less? Try these smart swaps:

  • Use all ground chicken instead of half beef.

  • Replace heavy cream with milk + 1 tbsp butter.

  • Choose store-brand broth and pasta.

  • Mix up your own DIY taco seasoning from chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

With these tweaks, you can bring it down to about $2.75 per serving!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef and chicken together over medium heat. Add the diced onion and taco seasoning, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.

2. Add Liquids

Pour in the beef broth and water, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan for maximum flavor.

3. Cook the Pasta

Add the cavatappi noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is almost tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Make It Creamy & Cheesy

Once the noodles are nearly cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Let the residual heat finish cooking the noodles while the cheese melts into a silky sauce. This keeps the cream smooth and the sauce ultra creamy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and dig in! Top with extra cheese, a sprinkle of parsley, or a dash of hot sauce if you like.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ One-pot meal = easy cleanup
✅ Budget-friendly comfort food
✅ Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
✅ Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully

Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.

  • Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the creaminess.

Quick Tips

  • Want extra veggies? Toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach before simmering.

  • Like it spicy? Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

  • Need dairy-free? Substitute plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

Homemade Hamburger Helper FAQs

1. Can I make homemade hamburger helper without beef?

Absolutely! You can make this recipe with ground chicken, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version. The taco seasoning and creamy sauce will still bring plenty of flavor.

2. What kind of cheese is best for homemade hamburger helper?

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and gives that classic flavor, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a shredded cheese blend also work great. For extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese at the end.

3. How can I make homemade hamburger helper cheaper?

To make this recipe for under $3 per serving, use all ground chicken, swap heavy cream for milk and butter, and stick with store-brand pasta and broth. Homemade taco seasoning also saves money and cuts sodium.

4. Can I freeze homemade hamburger helper?

Yes! This meal freezes well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

5. Is this recipe spicy?

This version is mildly seasoned with taco spices. To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or extra chili powder. For a kid-friendly version, simply reduce the taco seasoning slightly.

6. What pasta works best in homemade hamburger helper?

Cavatappi is perfect because it holds the sauce, but elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells are all great options. Any short pasta that cooks evenly in the skillet will do!

7. How long does homemade hamburger helper last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3–4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop — just add a splash of milk or broth before heating.

8. Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your taco seasoning and broth are gluten-free. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

9. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce, or stir in a handful of extra cheese or a tablespoon of cream cheese for added richness.

10. Can I meal prep homemade hamburger helper?

Yes — it’s a fantastic meal prep recipe! Divide it into containers, refrigerate, and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Lauren Fieldbinder
Next

EASY Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Better Than Store-Bought!)