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This cheesy pizza hamburger helper started when my kids were complaining about regular hamburger helper being "boring," but I still needed something quick and affordable for dinner. Adding pizza flavors with pepperoni and marinara sauce turned basic ground beef and pasta into something that actually got them excited about eating. The best part is everything cooks in one pan, so there's minimal cleanup when you're already tired from the day.
My neighbor came over while I was making this and ended up staying for dinner because she said it smelled too good to leave. Her kids are even pickier than mine, but they both went back for seconds and kept asking what made it taste so much like pizza. Now she makes it regularly because it's one of the few meals her whole family will eat without complaints.
What You'll Need
- Ground beef: Regular 80/20 works perfectly and has enough fat to keep everything flavorful.
- Penne pasta: The shape holds onto the sauce really well.
- Chopped pepperoni: Cut regular pepperoni into quarters for better distribution.
- Marinara sauce: Use whatever brand your family prefers.
- Beef broth and milk: Creates the base for cooking the pasta right in the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: The key to that pizza-like finish.
- Italian seasonings: Paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for authentic flavor.
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How to Make It
- Brown the meat and onion:
- Cook ground beef with chopped onion in a large skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes while it cooks.
- Add pepperoni:
- Once the beef is mostly browned, add chopped pepperoni to the center of the pan and let it cook for a couple minutes to get slightly crispy.
- Drain and build sauce:
- Remove excess grease, then add minced garlic, beef broth, marinara sauce, milk, and uncooked pasta to the skillet.
- Simmer until tender:
- Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on medium-low for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with cheese:
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in half the mozzarella, then top with the remaining cheese and let it melt.
I learned about browning the pepperoni when I tried to save time and just threw it in with everything else. The difference in flavor is huge when you let those pepperoni pieces get slightly crispy first—it really makes the whole dish taste more like actual pizza.
Serving and Storage
This is substantial enough for a complete meal, but some garlic bread on the side makes it feel more like an Italian dinner. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for several days and reheat nicely in the microwave. The pasta absorbs more sauce as it sits, so don't be surprised if it looks a little drier the next day.
Ways to Change It Up
Try adding different pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives during the last few minutes of cooking. You could use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for more authentic pizza flavors, or add some spinach for extra vegetables that kids won't really notice.
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This recipe has earned its place in our regular dinner rotation because it delivers on the promise of pizza flavors while being practical for busy weeknight dinners. The one-pan aspect makes it manageable when you're already exhausted, and the familiar flavors keep everyone happy without requiring exotic ingredients or complicated techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is this better than the boxed hamburger helper?
- Yes! This homemade version uses real ingredients like fresh garlic, quality marinara, and real cheese instead of artificial flavors and preservatives found in boxed mixes.
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! Rotini, shells, or rigatoni work well. Just keep the amount around 2½ cups and adjust cooking time as needed based on the pasta's cooking instructions.
- → What if I don't have beef broth?
- You can substitute chicken broth or even water in a pinch. The beef broth adds extra flavor, but the marinara sauce provides plenty of taste on its own.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Yes! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach work great. Add them when you brown the onion so they cook through properly.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish.
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes, use spicy pepperoni, or include some diced jalapeños with the onions. Hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef also adds great heat.