My husband loves hamburger helper. Problem is it is pretty high in sodium, has preservatives (understandably) and artificial dyes. I came up with generic hamburger helper and now he prefers it to the box.

I usually make it with fresh tomato sauce from the garden, but I will use canned sauce as well. I try to get the low sodium version and add other spices instead when using cans.

This is a pretty simple recipe if you’ve ever made the box kind. Brown the meat, add the sauce, spices and noodles and simmer.

Every once in a while, I will add a bit of salt if I’m feeling spunky. But typically, I don’t find it necessary and it only enhances the flavor a bit so I usually leave it out as it’s healthier for your heart.

This blog has been without much chatter as this is intended to be a quick meal (I have it on the table in less than 1/2 hour from start to finish) and no one has time to read a novella on faux or generic hamburger helper. If you would like another quick pasta recipe, check out this one.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe

Not quite the same as the original, but a much healthier option with loads more flavor.

Print Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes minutes

Cook Time15 minutes minutes

Total Time30 minutes minutes

Servings8

Calories 331.5

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16oz) ground beef
• 2 cups (16oz) hot water
• 1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups (4oz) penne pasta
• ¼ cup (2oz) parmesan cheese
• 2 tbs (25g) sugar
• 1 tbs (9g) cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp (4g) Italian seasoning blend
• 1 – 3 tsp (1 – 3g) red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp (1g) garlic powder
• ¼ tsp (.5g) onion powder

Instructions

• Brown hamburger on medium heat 8 – 10 minutes in a 12 inch pan. Break up the ground meat into small pieces and stir as it is cooking. Drain off excess grease; return meat to pan.
• In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of water to make a slurry.  Add garlic, Italian seasoning blend, onion powder, red pepper flakes, cornstarch mixture, tomato sauce, sugar, water and noodles to the pan. Stir well.
• Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Top with parmesan cheese.

Notes

*Substitute 1/2 tsp (1g) garlic powder for minced garlic.

Nutrition is based off 90% lean ground beef.   

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

331.5

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

13.4

g

21

%

Saturated Fat

 

5.2

g

33

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

0.6

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

3.7

g

Sodium

 

513

mg

22

%

Carbohydrates

 

30.9

g

10

%

Fiber

 

2.5

g

10

%

Protein

 

21.5

g

43

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.