This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni – Ditch the box mix Hamburger Helper and make this homemade version instead! Dinner is ready in minutes, with just a few pantry ingredients.
Easy dinners are a must most nights of the week. Everyone is busy these days, with different schedules and commutes and just lots of running around. So getting a homemade dinner on the table in about 20 minutes is exactly what you need!
This homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni will beat any box mix any day! And will take the same amount of time.
When I was a kid my mom always had a box of Hamburger Helper in the pantry. It wasn’t something we had often, unless we were camping. But it was there for nights when nothing was planned and she needed to get dinner on the table. Well, homemade hamburger helper is going stop you from buying that mix!
These days I am all about something that I can get on the table in under 30 minutes. And when it comes together all in one pan, it means way less clean up as well.
Plus you can swap out the cheese, the protein, use a dairy free milk and even try gluten free pasta if you need to. Lots of ways to take a basic recipe and make it work for you!
What You’ll Need
Yes, the list is longer than a box mix and a pound of ground beef. But that doesn’t meat it takes longer. You measure the spices while the meat is browning. So you still have dinner in 20 minutes.
- Ground Beef – you can use ground turkey as well
- Pasta – any shortcut pasta will do, but I like to use elbow macaroni
- Cheddar Cheese
- Milk
- Water
- Cornstarch
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Sugar
- Salt & Pepper
Plus you get actual REAL CHEESE! No powdered fake stuff here.
How To Make Cheeseburger Macaroni
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- In a large skillet brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any fat away.
- Mix together all of the spices and add to the ground beef once it is cooked.
- Pour in the water, milk, and pasta and stir until everything is combined.
- Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until it is melted.
- Let it stand for a couple minutes to thicken up before serving.
A piping hot, meaty, creamy, cheesy supper the kids and grown ups will love, and only 20 minutes worth of work. You will never go back to the box mix again!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Want to add veggies? Go for it! You can add chopped bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms or other veggies to make this a full meal.
- Swap the protein. You can lighten up this dish by using ground turkey or if you want to make it vegetarian you can use a ground meat alternative.
- Saucy. You really want to let this sit for a few minutes after you remove it from the heat. The sauce will thicken and it will be creamy and delicious.
- Shred the cheese. This is one of those recipes that I think shredding your own cheese makes a difference. So skip the pre-shredded stuff from the store and spend 2 minutes shredding your own.
- Sugar. You will notice a little sugar in the recipe, yes it is meant to be there. This is a copycat recipe, so we are using it to mimic the same taste as the box mix. It does help balance the spices really well. If you want to cut it out, then you can omit it.
How To Serve
This is a one pan dinner that you really can serve as is. But if you want to add veggies or a side to your dinner that is super easy!
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Homemade Hamburger Helper Lasagna
- Taco Pasta Skillet
- Pierogies Sausage Skillet
- Creamy Beef Pasta
- Beefaroni
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large skillet brown ground beef over medium high heat. Once cooked, drain any fat that remains.
- Mix together all of the seasonings in a small bowl. Add to the drained beef, stir to combine.
- Pour in hot water, milk, and pasta. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 – 12 minutes, or until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Remove from heat, and let stand for a few minute until the sauce thickens.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I created a fun group on Facebook,and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
.
Comfort food in one pan?! Yes, please!
The perfect quick and easy – and hearty! – dinner!
This has to be a family favorite on your end. I know it would be on my end.
Making it again tonight, everyone loves it!
I definitely need to make this recipe. I love the idea of homemade and not a box mix. Your recipe looks so delicious! Hugs, Terra
This looks fantastic! I actually didn’t really have Hamburger Helper much as a kid, but this recipe is totally my style – quick and hearty – thanks for sharing it! My parents quickly grew tired of packing my lunches when I was a child as well…so from the age of 7, I was put in charge of making my own lunch! The lunches I made were pretty monotonous and uninspired, I’ll admit, but it certainly made me more appreciative of whatever my mom cooked for dinner 🙂
This was great! We ran out of hamburger helper and needed a quick meal, my husband loved this! I loved how simple it was and not with a lot of crazy ingredients. Had everything I needed right at home! Thanks so much!
So glad that you enjoyed it Kim!!
I make a version of this during the winter months, it a staple in our house.
I just made this tonight, delish! Definitely filled the nostalgic Hamburger Helper craving. My 3 year old and 4 year old both said they loved it, huge victory. The sauce ended up a bit on the thin side, I think I will scale back the liquid next time. Also I might try cooking a couple tablespoons of tomato paste in with the beef to give it just a bit more depth. Yum!
My husband liked it but it was a little on the bland side. I’ll be making a batch of the basic dry HH mix and try it with that. I think kids would love this dish since its not complex on flavor but for adults, it needs something.
We like to change up the meat and use spicy italian sausage or chorizo to add more flavor.
Love finding good one pan recipes! Especially ones that can help me replace box made hamburger helper! Really excited to try this one out, and probably over do it on the garlic, cause I love garlic!
Cheers! Thanks for posting Erin!