Homemade Pumpkin Hamburger Helper
If you grew up loving Hamburger Helper, you know the magic of a one-pot, cheesy, hearty dinner. But what if we told you that you could make it at home, healthier, and with a cozy fall twist? Enter Homemade Pumpkin Hamburger Helper. This creamy, comforting dish combines tender ground beef, a touch of savory tomato, and creamy pumpkin for a dinner that’s perfect for autumn—or anytime you need a warm, hearty meal.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor, customizable, and much better for you than boxed versions. Let’s break down why this dish deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Hamburger Helper
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will love this twist on a classic. Sneak in extra veggies if you like!
Easy One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks in a single deep skillet or pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Comforting & Cheesy – Who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy pasta dinner? This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and blended cottage cheese for ultimate creaminess.
Nutritious Pumpkin Twist – Pumpkin isn’t just for pie! It adds natural sweetness, moisture, and nutrients like vitamin A and fiber.
Customizable Pasta Options – Use your favorite pasta, gluten-free options, or even whole wheat noodles for extra fiber.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Pumpkin Hamburger Helper
Here’s what goes into this Homemade Pumpkin Hamburger Helper:
- Olive Oil – Adds healthy fat and prevents sticking.
- Sweet Onion – Sautéed until soft and fragrant, this is the flavor base.
- Garlic – Adds depth and aroma.
- Lean Ground Beef – Use your favorite lean protein. Ground turkey works too!
- Tomato Sauce – Provides a tangy, savory layer.
- Pure Pumpkin – Creamy, nutrient-rich, and perfect for fall flavors.
- Beef Broth – The liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses the dish with flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that elevates the sauce.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
- Pasta of Choice – We used gluten-free Jovial Foods pasta, but any short pasta works.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp and melty, the ultimate comfort factor.
- Blended Cottage Cheese – Adds creaminess without excess fat in heavy cream.
Pro Tip: Blending cottage cheese before adding it ensures a smooth, creamy texture that melts beautifully into the pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Preheat a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then sauté the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two, stirring frequently. This builds the flavor base for your dish.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef and another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. This creates a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin and tomato sauce.
Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, pumpkin, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the pumpkin is fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your pasta directly to the skillet or pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring every 3–5 minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and blended cottage cheese. This gives the dish a creamy, cheesy finish that everyone will love.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with extra cheddar if desired. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Helper
- Adjust the Pumpkin: If you prefer a milder flavor, start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Creamy Without Dairy: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and omit the cottage cheese or swap with cashew cream.
Why Pumpkin Works in Hamburger Helper
Pumpkin isn’t just for desserts! In savory recipes, pumpkin adds:
- Natural Sweetness: Balances acidic tomato sauces.
- Moisture: Helps keep pasta dishes creamy.
- Nutrients: Rich in vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.
- Seasonal Flair: Perfect for fall and winter comfort meals.
This recipe is a great way to sneak vegetables into meals for kids who may otherwise turn their noses up at pumpkin.
Variations to Try
- Turkey Pumpkin Helper: Substitute lean ground turkey for beef.
- Spicy Pumpkin Helper: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Loaded Pumpkin Helper: Mix in cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Veggie Pumpkin Helper: Stir in zucchini or bell peppers for a more colorful, nutrient-rich dish.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. We love Jovial Foods for its texture and taste.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No, use pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices that will alter the flavor.
How long does it take to make?
About 35–40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Why Homemade Beats Boxed Hamburger Helper
- Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your meal—no preservatives or artificial flavors.
- Customizable Flavor: Add as much or as little cheese, herbs, or pumpkin as you like.
- Healthier Version: Using lean ground beef, blended cottage cheese, and whole ingredients makes it a more nutritious option.
Homemade Hamburger Helper is comfort food at its finest—without the guilt.
Other Dinner Recipes You May Like
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Homemade Pumpkin Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 large sweet onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef, we used 93/7
- 4 oz can tomato sauce
- 2/3 cup pure pumpkin purre
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese
Instructions
- Preheat a deep skillet or pot over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Once hot, add the onion and a pinch of salt and pepper. Saute for about 5 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute or two, stirring frequently.
- Add the ground beef and another pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the ground beef is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce, pumpkin, broth, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the noodles and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring every 3-5 minutes to avoid burning until the pasta has soaked up most of the broth and the noodles are tender.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and blended cottage cheese.
- Serve and top with more cheddar if desired and enjoy!
Notes
- Pumpkin: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugar and spices. It adds creaminess and subtle fall flavor.
- Cheese: Combining cheddar and blended cottage cheese makes the dish extra creamy. Feel free to swap cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor.
- Pasta: Any short pasta works—gluten-free, whole wheat, or regular. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Meat Options: Ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Sneak in extra veggies like spinach, peas, zucchini, or mushrooms during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Seasoning: Adjust Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like a little heat.
- Make-Ahead & Storage: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Slightly undercook pasta if freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a little extra broth.
- Creaminess Tip: Blending the cottage cheese before stirring it in prevents lumps and gives a silky texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
WOWSA! My wife made this for dinner tonight. If you like casserole type stuff or the taste of Hamburger Helper you ate as a kid, this dish is definitely for you! Whereas the Hamburger Helper we ate growing up lacked nutritional value, I was amazed as to the amount of hidden protein in this dish. My wife doubled the hamburger and we are guessing there was 35-40 grams of healthy protein in it, as well as the benefits of the pumpkin puree. YUM!!!
This recipe tastes just as amazing as it looks! Love the idea of a healthy twist on boxed hamburger helper! I’ll certainly be making this again!