Homemade Hamburger Helper with Einkorn Pasta

This homemade hamburger helper with einkorn pasta is a quick, 30-minute meal that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! Made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it’s a simple, kid-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

A Weekly Staple Made Healthier.

This recipe is one I started making last summer. My kids know it as “cheeseburger mac,” but it’s really just a more wholesome version of boxed Hamburger Helper.

I was never a huge fan of the boxed stuff growing up, but man, this version is seriously so good. It’s creamy and cheesy, with just the right amount of spice. And better yet, it is super filling and packed with protein thanks to the ground beef and einkorn pasta.

It is a recipe that appears often on the dinner table at our house. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep the pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to box directions. I like to get this going first so it can be simmering away while I prep the rest of the ingredients.
2. Sauté the beef & onion: In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add in the ground beef and continue to cook over medium high heat until browned. Once browned, drain if needed and then set aside on a paper towel lined plate.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet you just cooked the beef in, add 2 tablespoon of butter, stirring until melted. Add in the flour, continuing to stir until combined, then add in the tomato paste (the mixture should be very thick at this point). Slowly pour in the beef stock, stirring continuously while you pour. Once everything is combined, add in the grated cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and combined, and then sprinkle in the seasonings.
4. Combine & season to taste: Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture back into the skillet, along with the cooked and drained pasta. Stir until everything is combined, adding more broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs & Storage Tips

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Homemade Hamburger Helper with Einkorn Pasta

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5 from 1 review

• Author: Rachael
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Description

This homemade hamburger helper with einkorn pasta is a quick, 30-minute meal that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! Made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, it’s a simple, kid-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 12 oz box Einkorn fusilli pasta
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp butter (1 tbsp for sauteing onion + 2 tbsp for the cheese sauce)
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups beef stock (can add more if needed)
• 8 oz freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste (I usually add about 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper)

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Instructions

1. Prep the pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to box directions. (I like to get this going first so it can be simmering away while I prep the rest of the ingredients). Once cooked, drain and set aside while you continuing preparing the rest of the ingredients.
2. Sauté the beef & onion: In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add in the ground beef and continue to cook over medium high heat until browned. Once browned, set aside on a paper towel lined plate to  to drain.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet you just cooked the beef in, add 2 tablespoon of butter, stirring until melted. Add in the flour, continuing to stir until combined, then add in the tomato paste (the mixture should be very thick at this point). Slowly pour in the beef stock, stirring continuously while you pour. Once everything is combined, add in the grated cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and combined, and then sprinkle in the seasonings.
4. Combine & season to taste: Add the cooked ground beef and onion mixture back into the skillet, along with the cooked and drained pasta. Stir until everything is combined, adding more broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Pasta: This recipe works well with any sort of pasta as a substitute. Feel free to swap with your favorite style/brand!
• Storage: Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Instructions: Allow mixture to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, and then reheat over medium heat until warmed through (adding more broth as needed).

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stove Top

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to come back and leave me a comment and a 5 star rating! Tag me on Instagram with your creations @ourhandcraftedhomeblog.

rachael