This tasty Cheeseburger Macaroni is a homemade twist on the classic Hamburger Helper. Ground beef, pasta, and cheese in a rich, savory sauce. Comfort food in one pan in under 30 minutes!
This Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is packed with ground beef, pasta, and a rich, creamy, savory, cheese sauce.
You get all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a bowl, with the added bonus of pasta.
You'll probably remember those boxes of Hamburger Helper from your childhood, well now you can recreate that classic taste from scratch at home with this easy copycat recipe. In fact, I'd say it's far better.
The flavor profile of this One-Pan Cheeseburger Mac is savory, cheesy, with just the right amount of seasoning to make it feel like a real treat. The Worcestershire sauce and smoked paprika give it a depth of flavor, while the garlic, onion powder, and chili powder add warmth and spice without being overpowering.
What I love about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can swap out ingredients depending on what you have on hand, and it always comes together beautifully. Plus, you don’t have to worry about doing too many dishes since it’s all made in one pan.
This Cheeseburger Pasta is the nostalgic ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make in under 30 minutes!
Need some more pasta ideas? Be sure to also try Smoked Salmon Pasta, Mexican Spaghetti or KFC Macaroni Salad!
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Hamburger Helper
Hamburger Helper™ is a boxed meal kit that typically includes pasta, seasoning, and a sauce mix.
You add ground beef and water (or milk), and it cooks up into a quick, one-pan meal. It's designed to be a fast and easy way to make a hearty dinner, usually with a cheesy or creamy sauce, and resembling Cheeseburger Pasta.
This recipe isn't affiliated with them, it's just my homemade version, inspired by Hamburger Helper™, that my family loves, and I love making from scratch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- One-pan wonder: Less cleanup! Everything is cooked in one skillet, so you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Full of flavor: With savory beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, and the recipe still works like a charm.
- Perfect for family meals: This recipe makes enough to feed four people, and it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe! Missing some herbs or spices? Just leave them out or swap to something similar!
- Ground beef: The base of the dish. I recommend using 80% lean beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture. You can also swap for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend): The key to making this dish creamy and cheesy. Mozzarella is a great addition to the cheddar for a more stretchy texture.
- Onion: Adds a slight sweetness and depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can skip it or use onion powder.
- Garlic: For flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use garlic powder instead.
- Tomato paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the dish’s richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a savory depth.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the dish a subtle smoky flavor. Regular paprika works if you don’t have smoked.
- Garlic & Onion powder: Adds a warm garlic and onion flavor.
- Chili powder: For a bit of warmth and mild heat. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
- Dried thyme and oregano: These herbs give a nice herby aroma and balance the richness of the dish.
- Beef broth: The base liquid that brings everything together. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Elbow macaroni (or spirali): The pasta of choice. Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Cornflour (optional): For thickening the sauce, if desired. We like it thickened!
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce. You can use any milk you have on hand, or even cream for extra richness.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Cheeseburger Macaroni
Follow these step-by-step instructions for your One-Pan Cheeseburger Mac, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, season with the salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease, if necessary, or cook a little longer to evaporate it more.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, thyme, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
Once simmering, stir in the pasta. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook in the broth, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
If you want your Cheeseburger Pasta thicker, stir the cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the cheeseburger macaroni and cook for a further minute to thicken.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend) and mix until it’s completely melted and the dish is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed for your Beef and Macaroni Skillet meal.
Once everything is combined and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple side salad.
- Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess.
- Serve with pickles or a pickle relish for a tangy contrast and more cheeseburger flavor.
- Top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives.
- Pair with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
- Serve with mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort carby meal.
- Enjoy with a side of steamed broccoli for added greens.
- Pair with your favorite hot sauce for extra kick.
Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Spice it up with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Top with sliced jalapeños for heat.
- Use a mix of different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Advice:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the beef and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the pasta and combine everything.
More Ground Beef Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Use a high-quality beef broth for better flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, keep an eye on it to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Stir the cheese in slowly to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- If the sauce for your Beef and Macaroni Skillet meal is too thick, add a bit more broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
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📖 Recipe
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 lb ground beef I use 80% lean, 20% fat
- 1 medium onion diced
- ½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional, for richness
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni I used spirali 4 ounces
- 1 tablespoon cornflour optional, to make it thicker
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella
Instructions
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, season with the salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease, if necessary, or cook a little longer to evaporate it more.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, thyme, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, stir in the pasta. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook in the broth, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. You may need to add a little extra broth or water if the liquid evaporates too quickly.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk and let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
- If you want it thicker, stir the cornstarch into 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the cheeseburger macaroni and cook for a further minute to thicken.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend) and mix until it’s completely melted and the dish is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Once everything is combined and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat and serve.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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