Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
This Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is a rich, hearty, and family-friendly one-pot meal made with real ingredients—no boxed mix required. It’s faster, healthier, and far more flavorful than the store-bought version, with tender pasta, savory beef, and a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-pot meal – minimal cleanup
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Ready in 30 minutes
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No preservatives or artificial flavors
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Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying
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Perfect for busy weeknights
🧀 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
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1 tbsp olive oil (if beef is lean)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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2 cups beef broth
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1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp mustard powder (classic cheeseburger flavor)
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2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
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¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream (optional, extra creaminess)
🍲 How to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
1. Brown the Beef
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Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
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Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Build the Flavor Base
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Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute to deepen flavor.
3. Cook the Pasta
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Pour in beef broth and milk.
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Stir in macaroni, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mustard powder.
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Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Cover and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Make It Cheesy
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Reduce heat to low.
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Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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Add heavy cream or sour cream if using.
5. Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra cheese if desired.
🔥 Pro Tips for Best Results
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Shred your own cheese – pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly
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Don’t boil aggressively – gentle simmer prevents curdling
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Rest 2–3 minutes before serving for thicker sauce
🥗 Variations & Add-Ins
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Healthier Version: Use ground turkey and whole wheat pasta
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Bacon Cheeseburger Mac: Add crispy bacon crumbles
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Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños
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Extra Cheesy: Mix cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
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Reheat: Add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stove or microwave
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Not freezer-friendly due to the creamy sauce
📌 Final Thoughts
This homemade cheeseburger macaroni delivers all the nostalgic comfort of classic Hamburger Helper—but better. Rich, creamy, and packed with real beef and cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
OTHER RECIPESIngredients
- 1 1/4 (565 grams) pounds ground beef
- 3 cups (710 milliliters) milk
- 1 3/4 cups (4 dl) macaroni (whole wheat, gluten-free or regular all work)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons hot paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon salt (I like things on the salty side and use 1 teaspoon)
- 1 1/4 cup (141 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the meat until almost browned.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the pan, except for the cheddar cheese, and stir until well combined. Cover with a lid and simmer for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the cheese until well mixed in.
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