Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni at home
This recipe has dozens of 5 star reviews for a reason! While most hamburger helper recipes (both boxed and copy cat) are boring, flavorless pasta dishes, this one is not. Not only is it as quick as the boxed stuff, but it has way more flavor. Our recipe will give you the ultimate hamburger helper your kids will be asking for every single week.
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Why From-scratch Hamburger Helper stays in the rotation
The whole reason most people opt for Hamburger Helper is how straightforward it is to make and the one pot clean up. However, you usually end up with a bland and boring pasta dish that’s mediocre at best.
What if we told you that you could still have an straightforward, one pot Hamburger Helper style meal that’s ready in 20 minutes from start to finish and still packed with flavor? Straightforward, satisfying, and one your whole family will be asking for in regular rotation.
We'll show you how to cook this straightforward, one pot dish that has more flavor than any other varieties you’ll find. With a few simple ingredients (and even one you might not expect), you’ll have this one pot dinner on the table in minutes for those busy weeknights.
Why From-scratch Hamburger Helper Recipe stays in the rotation
- It’s straightforward and affordable which is suited to families
- This from-scratch Hamburger Helper recipe is one of those straightforward dinner recipes to have in regular rotation
- It’s all prepared in one pot so you have fewer dishes which is something we all love for busy weeknights.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food and it’s great for weeknight meals
- Being such a family-friendly meal, the whole family will love it, even picky eaters.
What is Hamburger Helper?
Made by Eagle Foods, Hamburger Helper is a packaged food product that usually consists of spices and some kind of pasta.
When the contents of the box are combined with browned ground meat (usually ground beef), water, or milk, it makes for a quick and straightforward meal.
Hamburger Helper Was first introduced in the early 1970s in response to a meat shortage and rising meat prices. A lot of people will remember it as one of their childhood favorites.
Today, it is known by the name “Helper,” and there are also varieties to be used with other types of meat, like Tuna Helper and Chicken Helper.
Hamburger Helper Ingredients
To make this straightforward from-scratch Hamburger Helper recipe at home, you need a handful of pantry staples and a few other plain ingredients from the grocery store.
- Ground beef – can also use ground turkey or ground chicken
- Salt and pepper – we always recommend coarse kosher salt or coarse sea salt with ground black pepper
- Cornstarch – this will help the sauce thicken as it cooks
- Paprika – we like using both smoked paprika and regular paprika in this
- Onion powder – this is a great way to cater to the picky eaters in your family
- Garlic powder – be sure to check your expiration dates for a house favorite results
- Sugar – this will help offset the acidity of the tomato paste
- Tomato paste – you’ll only need a couple tablespoons, but we recommend freezing the rest
- Beef broth – you could also use chicken broth or vegetable broth
- Elbow macaroni noodles – can also use shells or a similar shape of pasta
- Heavy cream – half and half or whole milk will also work
- Shredded cheese – sharp cheddar or any other cheese will work great. Mozzarella cheese is a great option. Be careful because milder cheeses will get lost in the sauce and you won’t be able to taste them
Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe Substitutions
While this recipe will give you that classic hamburger helper taste, there are a few ways you can put your own twist on this straightforward one-pan dinner that doesn’t require a lot of extra steps. Here are some options:
- If you like a stronger tomato flavor, you can add in tomato sauce as well.
- For a salty, unique flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle in a little chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- To make it extra creamy, melt in some cream cheese.
- If your entire family likes onions, you could add fresh onion to the ground beef and let it saute and cook through while the ground beef cooks.
- Mix in diced tomatoes to the finished dish.
Substitute for milk or heavy cream in Hamburger Helper
Some types of Hamburger Helper call for milk or cream, which helps to create a creamy sauce.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk rather than heavy cream. You could also use skim, 1%, or 2% milk, but they will yield a thinner sauce.
How to cook Hamburger Helper (Step by Step)
Making from-scratch cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is short-list. Here’s what to do:
1. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to a deep large skillet and season with salt and black pepper.
Cook the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through. If you aren’t using lean ground beef, drain the grease and return it to the skillet.
2. Add Hamburger Helper Spices
Add the cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sugar to the ground beef and mix to combine.
3. Add Tomato & Mix
Add in the tomato paste and mix to combine.
4. Add Macaroni
Add the macaroni elbows (you’re adding in the dry pasta) and beef broth to the bring, skillet, and stir to a boil.
Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the lid and stir. Add in heavy cream and cheddar cheese and mix to combine.
If you’d like to try another method, you can also use an electric pressure cooker. Try Instant Pot Hamburger Helper.
Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe Tools
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Traditional Deep Skillet, 11-Inch
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Meat chopper
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Measuring spoons
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Measuring cups
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How to serve From-scratch Cheeseburger Macaroni
Hamburger Helper is typically served in bowls and eaten with a spoon. You could even set the hot skillet right on a trivet on the table and let the family serve themselves.
To elevate the dish a little bit, sprinkle some extra cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
If you’d like to add a veggie, you could stir in some frozen or Oven-baked broccoli, or serve it alongside some green beans.
On the side, some tasty Garlic bread Is always a good idea.
You can also top it with sour cream, chopped fresh parsley, and hot sauce.
How to keep From-scratch Cheeseburger Macaroni
If you wind up with leftovers, you can store it in a food-safe, airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Leftover hamburger helper also freezes well. Place them into an airtight freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months in the freezer when stored properly.
To reheat, we recommend either placing it in the microwave for about 1 ½ minutes, loosely covered, or reheating it in a pot on the stove.
The stovetop method is best, as it reinvigorates the flavor well. If it has dried out, add a splash of water or broth.
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni FAQs
Prep 5 minutesCook 20 minutesMakes 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups macaroni elbows
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar shredded
Method
- Add the ground beef to a deep skillet and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through. If needed, drain the grease and return it to the skillet .
- Add the cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sugar to the ground beef and mix to combine.
- Add in the tomato paste and mix to combine.
- Add the macaroni elbows and beef broth to the skillet, stir, and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir. Add in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese and mix to combine.
