If you love the convenience of Hamburger Helper but want a healthier, homemade alternative, look no further! This Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix is quick to make, customizable, and perfect for a satisfying dinner on busy nights. By using simple pantry ingredients, you can create a creamy, delicious dish that rivals the boxed version – without the preservatives or artificial additives. Plus, it stores well for months, making it the ultimate pantry staple!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix

1. Combine the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, cornstarch, and uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir the ingredients together until fully incorporated.

2. Store the Mix

Transfer the mix to a quart-sized Ziploc bag or a pint-sized mason jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place. This mix will stay fresh for 6 months to a year, so it’s perfect for making in advance and having on hand when you need a quick dinner solution.

How to Prepare Homemade Hamburger Helper

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown 1 lb. of ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess grease to make the dish leaner.

2. Add the Hamburger Helper Mix

Add the prepared Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix to the browned ground beef. Stir to combine.

3. Add the Liquids

Pour in 1 cup of water and 2 cups of milk. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

4. Cook the Macaroni

Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is fully cooked and tender (usually around 10-12 minutes). Make sure the sauce thickens and coats the macaroni.

5. Optional: Add Cheese

For extra creaminess and flavor, add grated cheese (cheddar works wonderfully!) a few minutes before serving, stirring until melted and smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix

Convenient & Quick: Just like the boxed version, this homemade mix is fast and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
No Unwanted Additives: Made with real ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re serving your family.
Customizable: Adjust the seasonings or add extra vegetables or protein to suit your taste. You can also use different types of pasta or cheeses for variety!
Pantry-Friendly: This mix lasts for months in your pantry, making it an excellent make-ahead meal option for those busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.

Tips & Variations

Add Veggies: You can sneak in some diced veggies, like bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Swap the Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix.

Conclusion

With this Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix, you’ll have a go-to, homemade version of the classic comfort food that’s just as quick, easy, and even more delicious than the store-bought variety. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder why you ever bought the boxed version in the first place! 🍔💛

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out, or tag me on social media with your mason jar creations! Looking for more DIY gift inspiration? Check out my White Chocolate Cranberry Mason Jar Cookies and S’mores Cookie Mix Jars for more ideas.