Hamburger helper is a classic dish that never goes out of style. This cheeseburger macaroni pasta is easy to make and will be a family favorite in no time!

This meal is ready in 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or when you feel under the weather.

I used to have Hamburger Helper when I was younger, and it always brings back happy memories. So, I decided to recreate an even better version from scratch! My kids have never had it before, but I think they will enjoy it.

We love making one-pot meals on busy weeknights because it’s less of a hassle during and after cooking. One-pot dinners typically have some starch, protein, and vegetables combined in a delicious and comfortable meal.

This dish is comfort food: it’s warm, hearty, and only requires a few ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Best of all, it’ll be ready in just 30 minutes!

I love that I have control over the seasonings in this recipe. Our recipe includes the classic ground beef, seasonings, and macaroni, but the kicker, the treat, is that it is made with real cheese. Trust me; if you didn’t top your hamburger helper with extra cheese growing up, you were missing out. But now, it’s time for the real deal.

Ingredients For Hamburger Helper

A note about this recipe or with one-pot recipes: how much liquid you need can vary. If your meal seems to run out of liquid but still has much cooking time left, add 1/4 cup of beef broth, milk, or water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Ingredient List

  • Olive oil
  • Ground beef
  • Onion
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Garlic
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Paprika
  • Chili Powder
  • Milk
  • Beef Broth
  • Elbow Macaroni Pasta, uncooked
  • Cheddar Cheese

How to make the best Hamburger Helper

Cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides. Breaking the meat into smaller pieces will help ensure it cooks evenly.

Add the seasonings, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder, and stir to combine.

Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, and milk to the pan. Stir to mix and add the uncooked macaroni to a skillet. Stir until everything is mixed together well, then turn up the heat to bring it all to a boil.

Lower the heat to medium simmer once it begins boiling, and put a lid on the pot. Remember to stir occasionally during that time so the pasta doesn’t stick and burn onto the bottom of the pan; I like checking it every couple minutes or so.

Stir in cheddar cheese until it is melted and combined. Serve this dish immediately; top it with more cheese and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

How to store pasta leftovers

  • Always store your leftover cheeseburger macaroni in an airtight container in the fridge; it will ensure that the food lasts 3-4 days.

Place the dish on the stove over medium-low heat until warm to reheat the hamburger helper. If the sauce has become too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of water. You can also use the microwave; heat on medium power for 1 to 3 minutes or until warmed through.

  • This recipe can last up to three months in the freezer! Once it’s cooled down to room temperature, store any leftovers in a freezer-safe airtight container. To reheat and eat it, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the directions above.

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homemade hamburger helper recipe in bowl and pan

Hamburger Helper

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 500 kcal
Hamburger helper is a classic dish that never goes out of style. This cheeseburger macaroni pasta is easy to make and will be a family favorite in no time!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 4 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Cook the beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides. Breaking the meat into smaller pieces will help ensure it cooks evenly.
  • Add the seasonings, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder, and stir to combine.
  • Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, and milk to the pan. Stir to mix and add the uncooked macaroni to a skillet. Stir until everything is mixed together well, then turn up the heat to bring it all to a boil.
  • Lower the heat to medium simmer once it begins boiling, and put a lid on the pot. Remember to stir occasionally during that time so the pasta doesn’t stick and burn onto the bottom of the pan; I like checking it every couple minutes or so.
  • Stir in cheddar cheese until it is melted and combined. Serve this dish immediately; top it with more cheese and chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 34gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 959mgPotassium: 607mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 702IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 367mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know what you think!

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9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I grew up on Hamburger Helper, and this homemade version is a revelation! The flavor is so much richer, and I love that I can control the ingredients.

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