If you've ever wondered how to make hamburger helper without milk, I'm here to tell you it is possible. As someone who is sensitive to dairy, I'm always looking for comfort food favorites that won't upset my stomach. This homemade version of Hamburger Helper is fast and way more delicious than the boxed version.
Bonus: if you're trying to reduce your lactose intake this recipe fits the bill. It's a one-pan meal where the pasta cooks right in the sauce (no extra dishes!), and dinner's ready in just 30 minutes. That means it's perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick that your entire family will devour.
This skillet dinner brings back all those nostalgic Hamburger Helper vibes from childhood, only with real ingredients and way better flavor. And yes, it does have Cheddar cheese in it. (Hard cheeses are not a problem for me but if you want to go completely dairy-free just swap in dairy-free cheese. There are some great options nowadays.)
This recipe makes a generous batch too, so you'll have plenty if you're feeding hungry boys (like me!) or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream. A comfort food classic, weeknight ease, and guaranteed clean plates? It doesn't get much better than that.
And, if you like this recipe, you may be looking for other easy 30-minute meals to add to your weeknight line up. I've got you covered. Be sure to check out my chicken lo mein with vegetables. It's a family favorite, and I bet yours will love it too.
My Trader Joe's pesto chicken caprese sandwiches with chicken are also a favorite, as is my Old Bay salmon. Ready to make this easy weeknight dinner though? Let's do it!
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Ingredients
Before we get started, let's gather the ingredients we need for this easy hamburger helper recipe:
- ground chuck
- yellow onion
- double-concentrated tomato paste
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- beef broth
- elbow macaroni pasta
- cornstarch
- sharp Cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley (optional)
(See recipe card for quantities.)
Instructions
Now that we've got our ingredients, it's time to get cooking!
- First, cook the beef and onion in a large skillet until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain, if necessary.
- Then, add the tomato paste, chili powder, and garlic powder and stir until combined.
- Next, add the broth and bring to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and return to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 13 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, combine the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water. Whisk into the sauce. Stir in the cheese until it melts. Remove the skillet from the heat and let stand until thickened and creamy. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Hint: To avoid a lumpy sauce, be sure to combine the cornstarch with cold water instead of warm or hot.
Substitutions
Need to make some ingredient swaps? I've got you covered:
- Ground chuck - I think the ground chuck is just the right amount of fat. (Fat equals flavor.) I don't recommend using anything fattier though. Feel free to swap out lean ground beef like ground round or sirloin if you prefer. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Beef broth - Use beef stock, chicken broth, or vegetable broth instead.
- Cheddar cheese - Substitute your favorite cheese for the Cheddar if you'd like. Monterey Jack, Colby, and medium or mild Cheddar are all great melting cheeses.
- Cornstarch - Instead of corn starch, all-purpose flour or arrowroot are a great substitute.
- Onion - Any onion will work if you don't have a yellow onion hand. A white onion, Vidalia or other sweet onion, or even red onion is perfect. You can also use 1 teaspoon onion powder if you don't have fresh.
- Tomato paste - I like to use a tube of double-concentrated tomato paste because it's easy to store in the fridge. Feel free to use a can of regular tomato paste if you prefer.
Variations
Here are more ways to change up this recipe:
- Spicy - Give this comfort food dish a little kick. Stir in a little cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheeseburger Helper - Make this cheeseburger-inspired. Stir in a little ketchup and top with diced dill pickles for that classic cheeseburger vibe.
- Pizza Helper - Craving pizza + pasta? Stir in a little marinara or pasta sauce, mozzarella cheese, some dried Italian seasoning, and sliced pepperoni.
- Vegetarian - This recipe is easy to make vegetarian. Use plant-based beef crumbles instead of ground beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. To make it vegan, use dairy-free vegan cheese too.
Equipment
Here's the equipment you'll need for this milk free hamburger helper recipe:
- large skillet with lid
- box grater
- chef's knife
- measuring spoons
- liquid measuring cup
- wooden spoon
- whisk
- small bowl
Storage
To refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a skillet with a splash of broth and heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through.
To freeze: The texture of the pasta may become a little mushy after freezing, but it's definitely doable. Cool the pasta completely, and then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above.
Tasty Tip
I recommend shredding the cheese yourself instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. The bagged stuff has been sprayed with a powder that prevents it from melting properly.
Frequently asked questions
For sure! Just use gluten-free pasta and stick to cornstarch as the thickener. You may want to double-check the broth too to make sure it's gluten-free.
Technically, yes, but I don't recommend it. Pre-shredded cheese has been coated with a spray that prevents clumping but also makes it harder to melt.
Nope. If you use regular chili powder, this is a mild, kid-approved dinner.
That may happen if the pasta was cooked too quickly at too high of heat. (Or if it was uncovered.) Just add a little water or more broth, cover, and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Nope! Be sure the heat is medium low to low and stir occasionally while it simmers.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this homemade hamburger helper recipe:
🍽Get the recipe
The Best Homemade Hamburger Helper (without milk)
Equipment
- large skillet with lid
- box grater
- chef's knife
- measuring spoons
- liquid measuring cup
- wooden spoon
- whisk
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground chuck
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste
- 1 ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain, if necessary.
- Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, and garlic powder and cook until combined.
- Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni. Return the mixture to a boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 13 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl. Whisk into the sauce. Stir in the cheese until it melts. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture stand until thickened and creamy. Sprinkle with parsley before serving, if desired.
Video
Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:
- Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
- When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
- I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
- When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
Food safety
Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
Claudia says
I made this homemade hamburger helper without milk, and it was creamy, comforting, and way better than store-bought!
Ashley Freeman says
Hooray! That's what I was hoping!
Elizabeth says
This recipe is so nostalgic! Tasted delicious and was so easy to make. Added to our dinner rotation!
Ashley Freeman says
Yes! Comfort food to the max!
Krystle Smith says
It came together in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. The flavors were rich and comforting, and I loved that I didn't need any dairy to pull it off.
Ashley Freeman says
Thanks so much Krystle!
Jaleah says
This homemade hamburger helper is amazing! Such a yummy recipe.
Ashley Freeman says
Yay! Thanks Jaleah!
Jet says
I tried this on a busy night, and it delivered exactly what I needed. The texture was spot on, and I liked that it didn’t rely on milk but still felt creamy and satisfying.
Ashley Freeman says
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!