Did you grow up eating Hamburger Helper? Today I have a recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper that—and I say this as someone who regards the foods of her childhood with nostalgic respect—will beat the pants off of the stuff in the box!
Lean ground beef cooked with noodles in a rich and creamy sauce, this one-pan meal cooks entirely in a single skillet, even the pasta!
- If you didn’t grow up with Hamburger Helper, it’s a boxed mix that contains dry noodles, a spice packet, and a powdered packet for the “sauce.”
- Once you purchase the mix, the only other ingredients you need to make Hamburger Helper are milk, ground beef, and sometimes cheese. The end result is a little bit like beef stroganoff.
I have a deep affinity for creating healthy, from-scratch versions of the iconic foods of my Midwestern childhood (hello, ‘90s!).
You love them too, because these lightened-up comfort classics are among my most popular recipes.
- We’ve tackled beef stroganoff in detail: one-pan Chicken Stroganoff, Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff, Ground Beef Stroganoff, and Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff are crowd faves.
- My collection of casserole recipes is one of the most visited pages on my site.
Making this Hamburger Helper stroganoff, however, presented more of a challenge.
5 Star Review
“This is the perfect recipe if you’re looking for simple and delicious. It’s a kid-approved, one pot meal that is just as good leftover as it is hot off the stove.”
— Libby —
I wanted to honor the spirit of the mix that held a place in our family pantry—the ultimate ease, creamy sauce, and family-friendly flavor—but use only real, healthy ingredients.
I also wanted to surprise Ben, who let’s just say does not share my nostalgia for Hamburger Helper mix. When I served him this dish, I called it “healthy cheeseburger pasta” instead. (Feel free to use that one at home.)
Ben LOVED it, and I did too!
- Hamburger Casserole was Ben’s #1 recipe of 2020 (see our full list of favorite 2020 recipes here).
- I even went on to create this similarly-flavored Hamburger Casserole, which is basically a homemade Hamburger Helper casserole.
This Hamburger Helper beef pasta tastes rich and creamy, and even has surprising notes of umami.
It’s almost—and we are talking about Hamburger Helper here so I do not say this lightly—gourmet.
This healthy ground beef recipe will please picky eaters and discerning palates alike (just like this Ground Beef and Potatoes recipe).
With only one pan to wash at the end, it will also please the kitchen clean up crew!
How to Make Hamburger Helper from Scratch
This Hamburger Helper recipe keeps true to the spirit of the box in flavor and in prep. It is EASY.
- The secret to keeping this recipe easy AND to making it creamy is to cook the noodles in the pan with the other ingredients (just like my Chili Mac and Cheese), instead of cooking them separately.
- As the pasta starches release, they thicken the sauce to make it rich and creamy.
While boxed Hamburger Helper is made with milk, it’s not necessary here.
Instead, Greek yogurt, cheese, and the pasta’s starches create the wonderful gravy that has come to be associated with this dish.
To keep the recipe light, this healthy Hamburger Helper is made with vegetables and whole wheat noodles.
Once you know how to make Hamburger Helper stroganoff from scratch, you’ll never want the mix again!
Why Is It Called Hamburger Helper?
The concept of this classic family-friendly dish was created as a way to “help” utilize ground beef in an economical and delicious way. It has remained an incredibly useful tool to help stretch a family’s ground beef supply.
Hamburger Helper Recipe Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef. Lean, flavorful ground beef gives this dish that classic Hamburger Helper flavor. Plus, ground beef is packed with protein, vitamins, and iron.
tip!
For more great ground beef recipes, check out Ground Beef Dinner Ideas.
- Whole Wheat Pasta. Using whole wheat pasta adds nutritional value to the dish (hello, fiber!), and the noodles hold up well during cooking..
- Beef Broth. Using beef broth in this recipe is important for creating the rich, savory sauce flavors.
- Carrots + Onion + Garlic. A combination of carrots, onions, and garlic helps pack in added nutritional value and creates a deep base of flavor.
- Nonfat Greek Yogurt. Instead of homemade Hamburger Helper with cream cheese, Greek yogurt is my wholesome way of thickening the sauce and creating a creamy texture.
- Cheddar Cheese. Forget homemade Hamburger Helper with Velveeta. Sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, helping to make it thick, rich, and DELISH!
- Hot Sauce. A dash of hot sauce adds the perfect amount of dimension and interest. This recipe isn’t spicy, but if you’d like it to be, you can certainly add more.
- Dijon Mustard. The thing that makes you stop and say, “Oooohh, that’s good!! What is that?” In other words, don’t skip it.
- Smoked Paprika. A subtly smoky note.
The Directions
- Sauté the onion and carrot with oil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the garlic.
- Brown the beef. Add the hot sauce, Dijon, and paprika. Stir in the beef broth and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the yogurt and cheese. Top with chives or parsley for some color, and ENJOY!
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Homemade Hamburger Helper
- To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm Hamburger Helper in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat or gently in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Plan Tip
Chop the onion, carrots, and garlic up to 1 day in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not only does Hamburger Helper from scratch taste better than the box, it is better for you! Since this homemade recipe uses simple ingredients, you can avoid excess sodium and other fillers.
Boxed Hamburger Helper is high in sodium. The mix alone contains 550 milligrams of sodium and it’s closer to 990 milligrams once prepared; the American Heart Association’s recommended daily sodium intake for adults is 1500 milligrams.
The mix also does not contain healthy additions like whole grains and vegetables, so it should be eaten in moderation or avoided. This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe, however, is a different story! It has fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean mean, all of which offer nutritional benefits.
Certainly! You can experiment with swapping in gluten free noodles. Since gluten free noodles are more prone to falling apart, I recommend cooking them separately according to package directions. Do not add the water to the skillet (since the noodles are not cooking in the pan, you don’t need it), and stir in the noodles at the end.
While “hamburger” is in the name, ground beef is certainly not the only option for this recipe! You can make Hamburger Helper with ground turkey or chicken as well.
What to Serve with Hamburger Helper
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Dutch Oven. An investment piece that’s worth every penny.
- Measuring Spoons. These are double-sided, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- Spatula. This simple, heat-resistant spatula is one of my most-used items.
The Best Dutch Oven
A classic, long-lasting Dutch oven will become an essential tool in your kitchen. This one is both beautiful and incredibly high-quality!
The next time you are perusing the dry goods aisle and wondering which Hamburger Helper is the best, pull up this homemade Hamburger Helper recipe instead. It is truly the BEST hamburger helper!
You’ll be rewarded not only by its superior taste, but it’s a wonderful feeling to know that you’ve prepared a healthy meal that leaves everyone at the table smiling—all in a single pan.
Do you love healthy comfort food that’s easy to make? Be sure to pick up a copy of my cookbook. There is a whole section of one-pan and 30-minute dinners that will please the whole family!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 3 medium carrots scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 93% lean)
- 2 to 3 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 14-ounce can reduced sodium beef broth
- 2 cups water plus additional as needed
- 8 ounces whole wheat elbow pasta
- 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped chives divided (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or a large, deep 12-inch skillet with a sturdy bottom over medium-low heat. Add the oil onion, carrot, salt, and pepper. Let cook until the onion turns brown and soft, about 10 minutes (don't shortcut this step; it builds a lot of flavor).
- Add the garlic and let cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. With the back of a large spoon or a sturdy spatula, break the meat into small pieces. Continue to brown, stirring periodically, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes.
- Remove pan from the heat and carefully drain off any excess fat, leaving just a little bit in the pan to keep the meat moist (if you are using meat that is 93% lean, you likely will not need to drain it).
- Return the pan to the medium-high heat. Stir in the hot sauce, Dijon, and smoked paprika. Add the beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan.
- Add the water and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the liquid is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring often and scraping a spoon along the bottom of the pan to keep it from sticking. If at any point the pasta becomes to dry, splash in a bit of water.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let cool 1 minute. Add the Greek yogurt and cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
- Stir in half of the chives, then sprinkle the remaining chives on top. Enjoy hot.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm Hamburger Helper in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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Can’t wait to try this. Made something similar a few years ago, but this loos better. Erin, my youngest son liked Hamburger Helper a lot, but his favorite was the Hashbrown variety. I used to doctor it up, by using garlic oil, extra cheese and a big handful of chopped parsley. Never seen a remake of this one, have you?
Hi Joyce, I hope you enjoy the recipe if you try it! I haven’t seen a remake of that version either, but it sounds tasty!
This sounds amazing!! Some family members don’t eat beef. How would this be with ground chicken or turkey? And can I use chicken broth?
Hi Irene! You can certainly swap chicken/turkey and use chicken broth. I hope you all love it!
I just tried this. This tastes great ! I love that it cooks the pasta in the pan. I don’t enjoy cooking my food twice – once separately and again together. I didn’t have Greek yogurt on hand, so used just plain yogurt, and I thought it tasted great! I used Laura’s 97% lean beef, so no fat left to drain off. This will now be part of my regular rotation. Thank you!
YAY! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Dee!
Very Yummy!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Kelly! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was delicious and way more flavorful than any hamburger helper I’ve ever made from the box. Will definitely make this again!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I made this for dinner for us tonight, and even tho I didn’t have any yogurt, it still came out tasty. My husband was very happy with it, and he said I can make it again.
Val
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Valarie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Erin, this was delicious. I followed your recipe exactly and it turned out perfect! Thank you!
I’m so happy that it was a success, Julie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Made this tonight with ground turkey, delicious! Such great flavor, I will definitely make again!
I’m so happy that it was a hit, Dede! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I am truly in love with all of your recipes! I ran across this blog a few months ago and have made numerous recipes and receive rave reviews from our family of 8 every time! Thank you so much for these easy, delicious and healthy recipes! I just ordered the cookbook and am excited to try the recipes.
The Homemade Hamburger Helper was delicious and everyone asked for seconds! :)
This comment MADE my day, Nicole! I’m so pleased that you’ve enjoyed the recipes you’ve tried!
This was SO satisfying and delicious. Will be in my rotation this fall/winter for sure! My husband loved it!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Sarah! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I made this for dinner tonight and everyone, including my 11 month old daughter, gobbled it up! Served with some roasted broccoli and it was perfect. As a busy mom, I will definitely keep this in my arsenal for easy one pot dinners!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Kristen! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
When I saw this recipe I thought it looked really tasty but as I was cooking it I started to have my doubts. Seemed like so many carrots and then the paprika, Dijon and hot sauce felt like a weird combo. All my doubts were erased the second I took my first bite! It was delicious! I even had a second helping. I will definitely, absolutely be making this again. Likely the next time with ground chicken since that is my go to but honestly, other than that swap, I wouldn’t change a thing! Thanks for the great recipe!
YAY, Erica!! I love this flavor combo too. Thanks for sharing this wonderful review!
It was alright, but came out pretty bland, could really use some extra flavor but I can’t pin my finger on what exactly. Threw some seasoning salt in and called it good but I can’t quite figure out what it’s really missing.
I’m happy that you enjoyed it, Civvi! Thank you for trying the recipe!
Such a delicious and fun throwback recipe! My husband and I used to eat Hamburger Helper when we were in our early 20s, in our first apartment and out on our own for the first time. We were so proud of ourselves for “cooking”! That was 20 years ago and thankfully my culinary skills improved and we moved through that phase pretty quickly. We haven’t had cheeseburger macaroni since that time. Thanks to your recipe we can relive those memories now and actually feel good about what we’re eating!
I am so so pleased to hear it Diana! Thanks for sharing this lovely review!
I made this last night and it was a huge hit with my incredibly picky husband and 16 year old daughter. I have tried other “homemade” hamburger helper recipes and none have ever even come close. So the fact that my husband had seconds, is a testament that it was truly delicious. I even added a little red bell pepper to the carrots and onions. I am thankful for your recipe and feel good making something that is unprocessed and I know exactly what’s in it. ??
I’m so happy that you all enjoyed it, Beth! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Can I use sour cream instead of yogurt to thicken it?
Hi Hannah! I haven’t tried this swap myself, but I think it would work fine. If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear how it goes!
This is SO good! Hamburger Helper is such a nostalgic thing, but I am not a big fan of buying pre-made mixes. I have a picky household and they loved this. Huge fan of the added vegetables, too! Would 100 percent recommend.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Kacie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Easy and quick to make, plus my picky five year old gobbled this up! I made sure he witnessed the cheese and carrots going in the pot since those are his favorites. Perfect week night one pot dinner, and a great way to get your kids to eat a good healthy meal.
I’m so happy that it was a hit, Lauren! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This is the perfect recipe if you’re looking for simple and delicious. It’s a kid approved, one pot meal that is just as good left over as it is hot off the stove.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Libby! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Tasty and creamy!! My entire family enjoyed and we are all taking the leftovers tomorrow. It really did pair well with the arugula salad. The arugula we purchased though was a bit odd for some reason, but it didn’t stop our enjoyment. ?
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Erin! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Wow! Simple and quick recipe that taste so good. Bonus, doesn’t need much prep. Loved it!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Christelle! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I used Elk burger which by nature is very lean. Followed your recipe as printed. It was great.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Steve! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was delicious and easy! Thanks for the throwback!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Donna! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I licked the bowl, pan and spatula clean..
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Shannon! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was delicious- my favorite ‘homemade hamburger helper’ recipe that I’ve tried. Added in some zucchini with the carrots and onion to up the veggies (and because they had to get used)! The whole family loved it- including my 18 month old. Will be adding to the dinner rotation.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Katie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Nostalgia in a bowl!! I haven’t had boxed hamburger helper in over 10 years… but this tasted exactly how I remember it. Couldn’t even tell the difference with any of the more nutritious swaps.
I used chickpea pasta shells instead of whole wheat macaroni and it still came out great, I just needed to boil the pasta a bit longer (usually the case with chickpea pasta) and therefore had to add some more water too.
The only hot sauce I had was sriracha, and it still came out great!
Thanks for the easy recipe!
Thank you for sharing your review. I was wondering about using chickpeas and now I know I can!
I loved this recipe!
I used chickpea pasta shells instead of whole wheat macaroni, just had to boil a bit longer and use more water but that’s usually the case with chickpea pasta.
The only hot sauce I had on hand was sriracha, and it still tasted great!
Even though I haven’t had the classic boxed hamburger helper in over 10 years… it tasted exactly how I remembered. Felt super nostalgic, but more nutritious!
YAY, I am so glad to hear it!
Delicious!! Will definitely make again! Thank you!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Jacqueline! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
My daughter loves hamburger helper and I’m glad I found a healthier alternative to this dish, so thank you for sharing this recipe! There were a lot of adjustments I needed to make when I made this. 8 ounces of elbow macaroni pasta (I used the smaller pasta) was just not enough so I added 4 more ounces. Next time, I’ll probably use 2 cups of pasta. There was too much excess liquid so I had to remove some and added more cheese in order to thicken the sauce. 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika made it a little overpowering in the overall flavor, so I would probably cut that down by 1 teaspoon or less. I did like that there was Dijon mustard and hot sauce included in the recipe to add some dimension to the flavor.
Thanks for trying the recipe, Anna! I’m happy that you enjoyed it overall!
I made this tonight and while i reduced the smoked paprika by less than one teaspoon it was still way too smoky(maybe my smoked paprika is smokier than yours!). Kids didn’t eat it. But i would def redo it with 1 tbsp tomato paste while the meat cooks and use 1/4 tsp paprika, plus add a 1/4 tsp of italian herbs, and keep the rest (cheese, yogurt, broth etc)
I’m so sorry you had trouble with the spices, Jeannie. I hope the recipe is a hit next time!
I made this last night along with the Spinach Strawberry Salad and my husband & I loved both! We don’t eat beef so I just used ground turkey and chicken broth and it was wonderful! So many wonderful recipes!!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Laurie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Very convenient and extremely tasty! I will absolutely be making again.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Tayler! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
My husband was SO satisfied. I omitted the carrots and subbed American for half of the cheddar due to on-hand ingredients. This is going into weekly rotation! Shout out to Banza- the chickpea elbow noodles were perfect with this dish!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Rachel! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Had to return to leave a rave review. I have 5 kids and our house has vegetarians too. Made side by side meat and meatless versions and both were devoured. Made the recipe as written just subbed in meat alternatives for the vegetarians. Delicious.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Jess! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Very good! Had to come her for recipe; had been reproduced on GetPocket :
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/homemade-hamburger-helper?utm_source=pocket-newtab
and at a quick glance I KNEW they had the steps all messed up and backwards. Would have been a mess.
Thank you for giving me the heads up about the recipe and I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Good but.. 2 cups of water? My stroganoff ended up a soup at 2 cups. Next time I’ll forgo the water altogether unless the pasta is just too dry.
Hi Blaine, this definitely should not of ended up like soup. I’m sorry to hear the recipe didn’t come out for you. It’s hard to know what may have gone wrong without being there in the kitchen with you, but I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not have it come out, so I truly wish you would have loved this.
Great recipe. I’m not much, honestly, into low fat or super-healthy, just what tastes good. Had some hamburger and whole wheat rotini, and stumbled onto this recipe. Real easy, and the combination of smoked paprika, hot sauce and dijon mustard is pretty genius. The use of jogurt (of which I was skeptical) to enrich the sauce worked well. I did the original and then a variation using Italian sausage instead of hamburger ( browned the meat first then cooked the vegetables in a little of the rendered fat), substituted a can of diced tomatoes for one of the carrots, added some ground fennel and worcestershire sauce to the seasonings – a little heavier than the original, but real good, too. The original is a good base recipe to add to my repertoire of things to do with pasta. Will check out the web site again.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe and the variation as well! Thank you so much for your kind review Wally!
Pretty easy and delicious
So glad it turned out for you! Thank you for kind review Kelly!
This recipe was delicious, even my picky toddler enjoyed it! I made some modifications to use up ingredients I had on hand. I substituted lean ground Turkey for the beef and used beef bone broth in place of all the liquids. We will definitely make this meal again! 🙂
Hi Christina! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Thank you so much Christina for this kind review! So glad you enjoyed it!
Everyone loved it and gave it a five.
So much better than the packet that my husband cooked for me once but my French tastebuds couldn’t quite figure it out – taste better and you know exactly what is in it.
I bought your book a few months back there are so many great tasting recipes my whole family enjoys and I am now exploring your website Merci beaucoup!
Hi Laurence! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you so much for your support with the cookbook!
Like the recipe and will be giving this a try (but with ground turkey). The one thing I suggest differently is to brown the meat first (especially using beef), then saute the onions, garlic, ect. in the meat fat (adding flavor).
Hi Shaun! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Loved this! It’s been added to our regular dinner rotation. I used chickpea pasta to lighten it up. I’ve also made it with ground turkey when I didn’t have ground beef on hand. Works well both ways. Thank you for another wonderful recipe, Erin!
Hi Sarah! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
This is the first Well Plated recipe I have ever made and it’s safe to say I can’t wait to make many, many more! This was so flavorful, easy and absolutely delicious.
Hi Kaitlyn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Very good. I made it tonight and the family liked it. It is easy to make. I like to know what I am eating and really like that there is not anything in it I cannot pronounce. lol Thank you.
Hi Sue! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank yo for this kind review!
Tasted great, the yogurt really made it pretty creamy. Healthier than it tasted!
Hi Jacob! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This recipe is SO GOOD and super fast to make! My husband loves it too! We also add some mushrooms, shallots and extra garlic. Delish! Having it tonight :)
Hi Jen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This is great! I made 2 different batches. For both batches, I used a 5 ounce container of Greek yogurt for each, so slightly more than the 1/2 cup specified; this worked well for both, very creamy. I also omitted cheese for both, as some people in my family do not eat cheese. I am one of them & this is great without cheese. Those who want cheese can just sprinkle it on top. I also used a variety of carrots: one orange, one purple, one white for each (Trader Joe’s organic carrots of many colors); this added a great layered flavor.
In the first batch, I used red pepper flakes in place of hot sauce (a few shakes), I increased Dijon mustard to 2 teaspoons, and I used equal parts low-sodium beef broth and no-sodium beef broth (my dad has to eat low salt diet.) In the second batch, I omitted the hot sauce entirely, kept Dijon mustard to 1 teaspoon, & used 2 cups or 16 ounces of low sodium beef broth (vs. 14 ounces.) Finally, I puréed the cooked onions with the 2 cups of water. This was to hide the onions from my younger daughter, who loves boxed hamburger helper but won’t eat onions. She has yet to eat it, but I noted that the puréed onions sweetened the sauce and added more creaminess.
This is a great recipe & will make again. Much better than boxed hamburger helper!!!
Hi Debbie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review and your feedback!
I don’t often eat pasta but I had to try this to take me back to my childhood and it certainly did not disappoint! I am always amazed at how much better whole food ingredients taste compared to the “real thing”. You hit it out of the park on this one Erin, and I will slip this one in every once in a while when I get a pasta craving! :)
Hi Griff! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I really did like this recipe! The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is because it was a little too watery for me at the end, so I think next time I will try cooking with less water to make it more thick. I will definitely be trying this one again though!
Hi Claire! Thank you for the feedback! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Super easy to make and really does taste just like hamburger helper but without all the not so fun hamburger helper ingredients. Well done!
Hi Angie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Perfect shoveling food (my husbands term) I made it exactly as stated except I didn’t have quite enough Greek yogurt or cheddar but it definitely worked.
My grandchildren would really like this so thank you so much for sharing we will definitely add it into our rotation.
Hi Deborah! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I’ve made this twice now, and it’s a hit with the whole family!!
Hi Jessica! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Another WellPlated recipe that has become a staple in our house. Last time we made we cut back a little on the carrots and added a diced bell pepper, which I recommend if you’re like me and get sick of eating so many carrots in the winter :) Thank you for the recipe Erin!! Can always count on WellPlated!
Hi Morgan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Perfect Friday night meal. Love the added veggies. Definitely a favorite to put in rotation!
Hi Shirley! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
It makes a lot – 6 to 8 generous servings! I found that there was still too much liquid (well at least not as creamy as my mom’s less healthy version) but added a couple spoonfuls of light sour cream. Something about the flavor of the beef broth coming thru a little too strong & the yogurt a little too tangy wasn’t my favorite but for a healthier version, it’s worth trying and then adjusting as you see fit. Thank you for your version of a healthy version of one of my childhood comfort favs!
Hi Kelly! I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed it, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too!
Two of my boys have to eat dairy free. I have found a good dairy free cheese alternative to use, but what would you recommend to substitute for the Greek yogurt? Maybe some coconut milk?
Hi Heather, coconut milk would be add to much liquid. I would try a dairy free sour cream if you can’t find a dairy free Greek yogurt. Hope this helps!
Me: what do you think?
Husband: tastes EXACTY like hamburger helper.
I think that speaks volumes. Also- he ate the leftovers for breakfast, which is gross but clearly he loved it.
Hi Jen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was amazing and WAY better than the store bought ( which I personally think is gross). My 1.5 year old and 3 year old gobbled this up so fast. I added broccoli and selery for a little extra veg. Will be made again. Thanks Erin!!
Hi Natasha! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Another winner!!! I used ground Turkey in place of the beef and gluten free elbow macaroni—it turned out great and my picky eaters loved it served with a bit of ketchup. Will definitely add this to our regular rotation.
Hi Elise! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was so good and my picky eater actually ate it with no fuss! I used 1 less tsp of smoked paprika and used the Banza chickpea pasta. Very tasty!
Hi Aly! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
We loved this recipe. We have never eaten Hamburger Helper so we can’t compare it but, this was excellent! We have never tried one of your recipes before however we are already looking forward to trying more.
Hi Kim! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Really loved it!! Love the yogurt in there!!
Hi MaryAnn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Flavor was good, but my liquid-to-noodle ratio must’ve been off. I doubled the meat, noodles, and liquid but it ended up really watery.
Any ideas on how to tweak it to double the recipe? 1 pound of meat and 8 ounces of noodles won’t feed my horde.
Hi Haley! I’ve only tested the recipe as written, but it sounds like you might need to just allow the liquid to simmer at a higher heat so it can cook off a little if it has to much liquid for you. Doubling this should be fairly easy. Hope this helps!
Doubled the recipe ended up with way too much liquid as some others have said too. Might 2x the dry ingredients and 1.5x the liquid next time.
SO delicious! I substituted ground turkey for ground beef, used Cybele’s Free to Eat Superbfood Shells (green lentil, cauliflower & parsnip) for the pasta, and used both sharp cheddar and pepperjack cheese. Otherwise followed recipe as written. This will be a ‘keeper’ at our house!
Hi Kim! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This sounds amazing, but I have one question. Why is sodium never listed in the Nutrition section of the recipes? Everyone should watch their daily sodium intake. This information might be helpful to many. Thanks.
Hi Chelle! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
I added some fired roasted diced tomatoes, a small amount of crushed tomato and cumin! It’s a delicious recipe and a family + friend favorite!
Hi Wolf! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I have no broth and what can I do do I go without?
Hi Kelsey! I strongly recommend using the beef broth, as it adds richness and flavor to the recipe. If you decide not to use it, you definitely still need a liquid, so you could try swapping in water.
Great recipe! We’re definitely adding this into our rotation. I used rotini pasta and ground chicken and was happy with those swaps. I also used frozen crinkle cut carrots to save time on the carrot chopping. Thanks, Erin!
Hi Nicole! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Excited to try this recipe! What would you recommend replacing the beef with if you wanted to make this vegetarian? Thanks!
Hi Aly, maybe you could try a plant-based ground for this, or leave it out? I haven’t tried this myself, so if you decide to experiment, I’d love to know how it goes!
My family loved this. I used mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar because I had it. Very yummy!
Hi Beth! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
What can I substitute in place of the Greek yogurt to make this dairy free. I really like this recipe but my son can’t have dairy
Hi Marissa, I would try a dairy free sour cream if you can’t find a dairy free Greek yogurt. Hope this helps!
I just made this for today’s dinner. Picky toddler didn’t reject it and it’s a delicious, comforting meal.
Hi Kathryn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I made this recipe loosely just today. In place of the onion called for I used Mrs. Dash because I had no onion nor onion powder on hand and I also did not have mustard (I don’t care for mustard and don’t stock it) In place of beef broth I used beef bouillon cubes following the instructions on the packaging. I used 10% milk fat plain Greek Yogurt in place of The fat free Greek yogurt the original recipe calls for. I put 1/4 less water than the recipe called for and had too much liquid to every other ingredient in my stainless steel cookware. I recommend leaving out the 2 cups of water called for after the 14 ounces of beef broth. I only used 1 cup of cheddar and found that to be plenty enough cheese for my tastes. I’d like to add a photo of my finished product because it tasted spectacular and looked wonderful as well despite having a bit more liquid that I prefer. Erin did a phenomenal job by creating the recipe as she did and I want to honor her creativity not criticize what she did that I didn’t and wouldn’t. Good job Erin.
Thanks for the feedback Kristina!
I love most of Erins recipes but this was tasteless…i even added double the salt and pepper, added garlic powder too. Was not a cheesy looking as the picture. Mine was water as well, maybe didn’t let cook long enough before adding cheese but didn’t want the noodles mushy. Would not make again. Sorry
I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t to your tastes, Valerie. I (and many other readers) have truly enjoyed it, so I wish you would’ve too!
Too much liquid at the end, was more soupy than what our family prefers. Ended up adding a cornstarch/water mixture to help thicken it up
Sorry to hear that you had trouble with the recipe, Poli. The amounts, flavorings and timing have worked well for myself (and others) so I wished it would of been a hit for you too! I know it can be so disappointing to try a new recipe and it not turn out for you.
I’m making this recipe tonight and excited to try it but I like to track everything I’m eating. I see you put the nutritional facts for 1 serving but what is 1 serving? Is it 1 cup? A certain amount in grams or ounces? Any information would be helpful with tracking
Hi Kelsey! I didn’t measure it out in cups, it’s just 1/4 of the recipe. Hope you enjoy it!
I want to try this. It sounds delicious! Can I substitute cream cheese for the yogurt? (Wife won’t eat yogurt.) Also, if I were to make this in a crock pot, what accommodations would you suggest if any?
H Allen! You could try that or even sour cream. Also I haven’t tried this in the crock pot but here is a guide that might help: https://www.wellplated.com/crock-pot-pasta/ Hope you enjoy it!
Hi Erin, we tried it with Cream Cheese. It was great. Next time, I might only use half a block of the cream cheese though, as the dish was a bit thick, though very tasty. We enjoyed the recipe immensely and will add it to our menu rotation.
Thanks for the feedback Allen! So glad you enjoyed it!
This was so good! I made it GF by adding rice noodles and a little added water. I had to cook the noodles a little longer but they turned out amazing! This would also work nicely with adding shredded zucchini or spinach. What a great way to hide veggies!
Hi Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Just tried this as written tonight. My family enjoyed it, although it came out a little watery. The next time I will add less water and a little more cheese. Also may try adding more seasoning to the meat when browning. Thank you for sharing your recipes!
Thanks for the feedback Tiffany!
It was easy to make and very good. My husband rarely has seconds but he did tonight.
Hi Diana! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This sounds fantastic. But, before I try it, I think that the value you posted for potassium of 1047 mg would kill us all. Perhaps you meant sodium?
Hi Mike! The recipe card actually calculates that and I am not able to control what amounts it gives. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
This has become a staple in our household. It’s a great way to be “chef-y” without requiring too much skill. It’s flavorful, filling, and makes great leftovers. I actually use all beef broth rather than water, and the results are satisfactory.
For all those saying there is too much liquid at the end—cook the liquid off. This is why the recipe calls for al-dente before adding the cheese and yogurt: the yogurt and cheese have liquid that will be absorbed by the pasta and also need to be cooked off. Once I realized this, it’s come out perfect.
Hi Patrick! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! And thanks for the tip!
Great recipe! Made a double batch to freeze.
Hi Courtney! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This was delicious!! And so easy to make. I used 2lb ground beef and threw in a little more spices to make up for it. Eyeballed the yogurt but prob did 3/4 cup. Thank you!
Hi Jenn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Very tasty! I added extra veggies I had on hand and I couldn’t taste it in the recipe! I also didn’t have Greek yogurt so I added some sour cream in my own bowl and it was tasty. I had a hard time keeping the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan, but overall I enjoyed it. This pregnant momma is very happy!
Hi Stephanie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I doubled the recipe and added cream cheese. Also, I didn’t have elbow macaroni on hand so I used 2 boxes of macaroni and cheese, including the dried cheese packets. Yummy!
Hi Sh! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!