This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a savory one-pot meal that’s better than the original boxed version! Made with tender elbow pasta, savory ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce, and veggies, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less and impossible to resist!

Cozy up with more comfort food recipes like Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake, One Pot BBQ Chicken and Bacon Pasta and Sausage Tortellini Soup.

Confession time: I can’t honestly remember the last time I purchased or prepared a box of Hamburger Helper.

It’s not that I never have—like most moms, I’m familiar with the beloved boxed pasta (it’s one of my childhood favorites!). But somewhere along the way, I discovered that it’s actually quite easy to make homemade hamburger helper.

My recipe for homemade Hamburger Helper is the only one you need for a number of reasons: it comes together in one pot, with real ingredients, in roughly the same amount of time. Since then, I haven’t looked back!

Why we love it:

• Healthier than store-bought: This homemade version is a one-pot meal made with healthy whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and wholesome veggies like red pepper and spinach.
• Kid-friendly: Everything all cooks down together in the cheesy sauce (hello, comfort food!), so picky eaters won’t even notice (it’s a family favorite here!).
• One pot: Those two magic words means that dinner will be easy to make and easy to clean up!
• Simple ingredients: This is a great clean-out-your-fridge recipe! It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have laying around.

Homemade Hamburger Helper ingredients:

• Lean Ground Beef: Since this is a one pot meal, I usually use lean ground beef. That helps keep the pasta from being greasy.
• Onion: Almost any beef dish is better with onion! You can dice up fresh onion, or if you’re short on time, sprinkle in about a tablespoon of onion powder.
• Red Pepper: Dice up a medium bell pepper. We use red, but any color is fine!
• Red Pepper Flakes: To add a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can put more in, if you want it to be spicier.
• Garlic or Garlic Powder: Again, you can use fresh minced garlic, or go with garlic powder if you prefer. Use about ⅓ teaspoon for each clove of garlic.
• Salt and Pepper: I prefer to use red pepper flakes as opposed to black pepper, but you can use both if you prefer.
• Italian Seasoning: Store-bought Italian seasoning blend adds lots of flavor to the dish!
• Spinach: For frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. For fresh spinach, just chop it finely. You can omit if you want but I promise no one will know it’s there!
• Beef Broth: The dish will be cooked in a mixture of broth and milk; I use beef broth, but vegetable broth and chicken broth would both work, as well.
• Milk: any kind of dairy or non-dairy milk will work. Higher fat dairy will yield a richer flavor.
• Pasta: Our favorite pasta for this recipe is elbow pasta, but basically any small shape would be good. Penne, farfalle (bowties), and fusilli are all good hamburger-helper-style shapes — just keep in mind the cook time may vary.
• Tomato Sauce: You can use plain tomato sauce, strained tomatoes, or pasta sauce, whatever you have.
• Cheese: To make this a cheesy, comforting meal, you’ll need plenty of shredded cheese! Try mozzarella, colby, cheddar, or any other melting cheese that you like. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired

How to make Hamburger Helper

Let’s take a quick look at how to make homemade hamburger helper! Find the detailed recipe down in the recipe card.

• Cook the ground beef, red bell peppers and onions.
• Mix in the seasonings, garlic and spinach.

• Pour in the milk, broth, noodles and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook for 12-15 minutes.
• Stir in the cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

• Change the veggies. Feel free to swap out the veggies for others your family enjoys, like mushrooms, shredded carrots, zucchini, or anything else you have taking up space in the fridge. Also, shredded vegetables cooked down in the ground beef are a great way to get more vegetables into your diet.
• Use your preferred pasta. I use high fiber whole wheat pasta, but really any variety of wheat pasta works fine. If you are using gluten-free or alternative pastas, you may want to reduce the amount of liquid, or add more, depending on the type of pasta.
• Make it dairy-free. Swap dairy-free milk and dairy-free cheese for the whole milk and shredded cheese. Or simply make the recipe with no milk, substituting additional broth, and leave out the cheese altogether!
• Make it vegetarian. Swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth, and vegetarian crumbles, chickpeas, or simply extra veggies instead of the meat.
• Use another meat. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage all work well.
• Make it creamy. Stir in some sour cream or plain yogurt for an extra creamy pasta.
• Spice it up! Splash in some hot sauce or sriracha.

How to Store Homemade Hamburger Helper

Leftover Hamburger Helper will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Add a splash of milk, water or broth and reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.

Can I freeze hamburger helper?

Yes! To freeze homemade hamburger helper, spread the cooked pasta into a foil or freezer-safe baking dish, and cover with a layer of plastic wrap and then a lid or a layer of tin foil. The plastic wrap helps prevent freezer burn (thanks Grandma, for that trick!).

To reheat frozen hamburger helper, uncover the dish, remove the layer of plastic wrap, and then replace the layer of foil. Bake the dish at 350°F for about one hour, removing the foil at about the 40 minute mark, to allow the cheese to brown somewhat.

Freezing Note: If you’re planning to freeze and reheat pasta, you can slightly undercook the pasta before freezing. That way, when you reheat it, it won’t turn out mushy.

Reheating Note: if you’re moving a glass dish from the freezer to the oven, it’s a good idea to let the dish sit out at room temperature for a couple hours beforehand to warm slightly. You may not have to cook it as long.

Serving suggestions:

You can serve this pasta all on its own! It truly is a meal all in one pot! However, if you’d like to add a few side dishes, these are some great, easy options:

• Broccoli Salad: If you don’t think you like broccoli, try this recipe—I promise it will change your mind! Classic Broccoli Salad is sweet, tangy, crunchy, and fresh, with bacon and cheddar for extra yumminess.
• Creamed Corn: Sweet, Homemade Creamed Corn is a side dish that my kids devour! It’s a fresh, crisp-tender veggie option that’s always a welcome addition to the meal.
• Glazed Carrots: My simple Honey Orange Glazed Carrots are another kid-friendly side dish, made from scratch and lightly sweet.

More one pot pasta recipes!

• Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo recipe — a fabulous side or meatless main dish.
• Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake — the cheesier, the better!
• Creamy Gemelli Pasta recipe — simple and satisfying.
• Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage — sausage adds so much flavor!
• Cajun Chicken Pasta — just the right amount of kick!

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Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe – easy one pot pasta!

This Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper is a savory, one-pot meal that's better than the original! Made with tender elbow pasta, savory ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce, and veggies, it's ready in 30 minutes or less!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 474cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• ½ medium onion diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, if you like it spicy!)
• ¼ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (or 1 cup fresh, chopped fine) optional
• 1 ¾ cup milk
• 1 ½ cup beef broth (low sodium)
• 2 ¾ cups dry uncooked macaroni (1 375g box)
• 1 ½ cups tomato or pasta sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• To a large pot add beef, onion, and peppers and cook until vegetables are softened. Cook over medium high heat until beef is browned.
• Add garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, mustard red pepper flakes, and spinach. Cook 1-2 minutes to wake up the flavors.
• Add in milk, broth, macaroni and tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring often.
• Stir in 1 cup of cheese. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

**NOTE: Nutrition information is estimated and will vary depending on exact serving size, types and brands of products used.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Ground Beef: feel free to swap the beef for ground chicken, pork or turkey. I use lean ground beef so there is not much fat to drain, but if you are using regular ground beef you may want to drain the fat after browning.
• Vegetables: you can swap the peppers and spinach for other vegetables you have hanging around: finely chopped mushrooms, shredded carrots or zucchini, finely chopped kale — once it all cooks down the flavor melds together and you won’t really notice!
• Broth: I use low sodium beef broth so I can control the salt. If you have regular broth you may want to reduce the added salt and adjust as needed. Vegetable and chicken broth may also be substituted.
• Milk: I use low fat milk, but any will do here! Non-dairy milk works just as well.
• Macaroni: any short pasta will work here, but they may require different cook times or amounts of liquid. If you notice the liquid is mostly absorbed but the pasta is not cooked, just add a splash here and there and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 347grams | Calories: 474cal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1166mg | Potassium: 836mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2073IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 293mg | Iron: 5mg

More one pot pastas you’ll love!

• Healthy One Pot Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
• One Pot Baked Ziti
• One Pot Chicken Chow Mein

The post BEST Hamburger Helper Recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

For more amazing Asian-inspired dishes, try my Sweet and Sour Chicken recipe, Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, One Pot Chicken Chow Mein recipe, Sweet and Sour Pork, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and this Vegetable Lo Mein!

This Ramen Noodle Soup is so easy to make, but it’s packed with delicious Asian-inspired flavors that will blow your taste buds away!

Imagine diving into a bowl of steaming hot ramen, with rich and comforting flavors, aromatic spices, and savory broth – in just 30 minutes.

It’s quick and simple to make, perfect for any occasion from cozy date-nights to busy weeknight dinners or special occasions!

The star players in this delightful dish are chicken breasts, low-sodium chicken broth, instant ramen, and a medley of fresh vegetables.

Ingredients Needed:

• Oil: I tend to use canola oil to sauté veggies, but you can use other kinds of cooking oil if you prefer.
• Vegetables: carrots add a slight sweetness and crunch to the dish, while red bell pepper brings a mild, sweet flavor and vibrant color to the ramen.
• Garlic & Ginger: fresh garlic cloves will add a depth of savory flavor to the dish, while freshly minced ginger adds a warm, spiced flavor that is irresistible.
• Red Chili Flakes: to bring a bit of heat to the dish. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
• Chicken Broth: a flavorful broth that serves as the base of your ramen soup. I prefer to start with low sodium broth and add salt, but you can start with a pre-seasoned broth and adjust the added salt as necessary.
• Chicken: I use chicken breast meat here, but you can use other kinds of meat for a different flavor. If you have leftover Shredded Chicken, Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Crockpot Shredded Chicken — even better!
• Green Onions: they add a fresh, sharp flavor that contrasts well with the rich broth.
• Salt: to season and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Noodles: use instant ramen noodles, as they cook quickly and are great for absorbing all the delicious flavors. You don’t need the flavor packet for this recipe.
• Soy Sauce: adds umami flavor and depth to the dish without making it too salty.
• Chili Crunch: for an extra kick of heat and texture.

How to Make Easy Homemade Chicken Ramen Soup

This recipe is quick and easy to make, it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Full instructions are included in the recipe card below.

1. Sauté: Sauté the carrot, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in oil until slightly softened.
2. Add other ingredients and cook: Add the broth, chicken breasts, onion whites, and salt. Cook until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Shred chicken: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it.
4. Add chicken and noodles: Add the chicken back to the pot with the ramen, and cook. Stir in onion greens, soy sauce, and chili crunch. Serve hot.

How do I store Ramen Noodle Soup?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the broth and noodles separately if possible, to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft. Simply reheat the broth, and add the noodles just before serving.

Can I freeze Ramen Noodle Soup?

If you have a larger batch, you can freeze the broth and chicken for up to 3 months. I’d recommend cooking fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy your ramen again. Thaw the broth in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove, or in the microwave, for the best results.

Easy Ramen Noodle Soup Variations

• Make a vegetarian ramen noodle soup. Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with tofu, or even add more vegetables like baby bok choy or sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Turn up the heat. There are several ways to add more heat to this dish. Use chili oil to sauté the veggies, or add some chili oil on top of the dish at the end. Add some red pepper flakes, some diced chilis, or your favorite hot sauce to this dish for more spice.
• No ramen? Swap it out for spaghetti or spaghettini.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete Asian-inspired meal, top your flavorful soup with sesame seeds and pair it with sides like steamed edamame, gyoza (dumplings), a simple cucumber salad, or a soft boiled egg.

Ramen Noodle Soup is best served in large bowls to give you ample space to arrange your toppings beautifully.

You can even try some Air Fryer Broccoli or Air Fryer Green Beans on the side for more color and nutrients.

More Delicious Recipes with Noodles

Dinner

Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs and Noodles

Dinner

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Dinner

Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe

Dinner

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

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Ramen Noodle Soup

Ramen Noodle Soup is made with instant ramen noodles and tender shredded chicken cooked in chicken broth, seasoned with fresh garlic, ginger, and chili flakes! It's packed with a ton of flavor that will have you coming back for more.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 340cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon oil
• 1 cup carrot matchsticks (or finely sliced or shredded carrot)
• ½ red bell pepper (finely sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 green onion (whites and greens separated)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 packages instant ramen (seasoning packet removed) 55 grams or 2 oz each.
• 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
• chili crunch (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large pot, add oil and heat over medium-high heat.
• Add carrot, bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes and cook until slightly softened (about 3 minutes), stirring often.
• Add broth, chicken breasts, onion whites (keep out the greens) and salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook about 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
• Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred.
• Add chicken back to the pot with the ramen (you can break it into smaller pieces for shorter noodles). Cook 3 minutes or until noodles are al dente.
• Stir in onion greens, soy sauce and chili crunch if desired (you can also add a sprinkle of red chili flakes for additional heat). Serve.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Vegetables: feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap these out for ones you have on hand. There are lots of vegetables that would work in here! Shiitake mushrooms, zucchini, snap peas, bok choy, sliced cabbage, and more would all be perfect here.
• Chicken broth: I choose low-sodium broth so that I can control the sodium. If you have salted broth, you may want to omit the salt and add it before serving. You can also choose vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a vegetarian meal.
• Chicken breasts: chicken breasts are lean and stay perfectly juicy when simmered in this soup, but you can also choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs if that is what you enjoy. You can also omit the chicken and add additional veggies.
• Put an egg on it: A lot of people enjoy their ramen noodle soup with a soft-boiled egg on top. I confess I am not one of those people, but you are more than welcome to add one if you prefer!

Storage

• Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the broth and noodles separately if possible, to prevent the noodles from becoming too soft. Simply reheat the broth, and add the noodles just before serving.
• Freeze: If you have a larger batch, you can freeze the broth and chicken for up to 3 months. I’d recommend cooking fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy your ramen again. Thaw the broth in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove, or in the microwave, for the best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 466grams | Calories: 340cal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 1398mg | Potassium: 760mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5882IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Ramen Noodle Soup appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.