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Cheeseburger Macaroni

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If there was a dish that screamed ‘comfort food’ from the rooftop, it would be this Cheeseburger Macaroni! You’ll love every single bite of this hearty dinner!

 

Main image for Cheeseburger Macaroni

 

Macaroni, beef, and sharp cheddar cheese? Yes please! 

This is pretty much the homemade version of your childhood favorites, all whipped up in just one pot!

Homemade cheeseburger macaroni brings back all those cozy memories of boxed hamburger helper, but with a much better homemade touch.

It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will adore.

One-pot means less mess and less stress. Always my favorite!

And the richness of sharp cheddar? Makes this an instant family favorite.

The combination of seasonings in this cheeseburger macaroni recipe is honestly perfect. Salty. Creamy. And delicious.

 

ground beef and onion in a skillet uncooked

 

What Ingredients Are in Cheeseburger Macaroni?

This easy weeknight meal has a simple ingredient list to make your life easier. You’re welcome!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the grocery store:

  • Ground Beef: The star of the dish, bringing in that meaty goodness.
  • Yellow Onion: For a hint of natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Helps in thickening the sauce, making it oh-so-creamy.
  • A Mix of Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and others to spice things up.
  • Macaroni: Our beloved elbow macaroni makes the perfect pasta base.
  • Milk & Water: For the right consistency and to cook the pasta to perfection.
  • Sharp Cheddar: The cheese that wraps everything in a warm cheesy blanket.

Pro Tips:

  • Feeling adventurous? Add a little kick with some hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
  • Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente; it will continue cooking a bit in the cheesy sauce.
  • Sour cream, chili powder, or a can of Rotel are also all really easy swaps!

 

cooked ground beef and onion with cornstarch sprinkled on top

 

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Even the pickiest eaters will love this homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper recipe!

Here’s how to make this easy dinner recipe:

  1. Begin by browning the ground beef and onions in a large skillet.
  2. Drain off the excess grease and mix in the cornstarch.
  3. Toss in seasonings, liquids, and dry pasta.
  4. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and finish off by melting in the cheese.

Pro Tips:

  • For a one-pot dinner, be sure you simmer on medium heat to prevent sticking.
  • Real cheese makes all the difference, so choose a good quality sharp cheddar for best results.

 

all spices , water, pasta and milk added to ground beef mixture

 

Is Cheeseburger Macaroni the Same as Hamburger Helper?

Cheeseburger mac and cheese is like the homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni. 

That means this version uses real ingredients and skips all the boxed stuff of the hamburger helper version.

So it’s actually healthier and more flavorful.

If I’m really, really in a bind, I might use a hamburger helper. But honestly, it just isn’t the same as this homemade one.

 

Cheese added to pasta and ready to be stirred

 

What Goes with Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Pair your cheeseburger mac recipe with a simple salad, some garlic bread, or just a dollop of sour cream on top. 

Here are some Easy Side Dishs that would great with this dish:

 

 

How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Store any leftover cheeseburger macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

You should always wait for it to come to room temperature before transferring it

I think it’s actually really great the next day and makes a great meal prep too.

I’ll often prep it on Sunday night for the whole week. 

Then add it to those cool little containers (you know the sectioned ones) so I can have it ready to go for lunches and things.

It makes it so quick and easy!

And it tastes just as great the second time we eat it as it did the first time!

 

Wooden spoon scooping a portion of hamburger helper out of the pan

 

Can You Freeze Cheeseburger Macaroni?

You can absolutely freeze this easy cheeseburger macaroni recipe! 

Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in aluminum foil and store in the freezer. 

When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw in the fridge before reheating on low heat.

I recommend eating it within 3 months. Otherwise it might go bad.

You could also thaw it in the microwave but just be careful. It’s always best to avoid heating in plastic.

 

zoomed in image of cheeseburger macaroni. Photo taken from the top looking down.

 

Can I Use Ground Turkey in Cheeseburger Macaroni?

You could definitely use ground turkey instead of ground beef in hamburger macaroni!

Ground turkey is a great recipe alternative for those looking for a leaner option. 

You may need to increase the seasoning just a little bit. Turkey tends to be milder in flavor compared to beef.

Though you may not really notice any difference at all. So just taste it and adjust according to preference.

Can Dogs Eat Cheeseburger Macaroni?

No, dogs can’t eat cheeseburger mac.

I know it can seem like they should be able to because the love meat and this is a meat heavy meal, that just not the case.

First, it can be difficult for them to digest. 

Second, garlic and onion can actually even be toxic for dogs to eat!

Honestly, it’s always best to save dog food for the dogs and human food for the humans.

 

Cheesy Hamburger Helper in bowl with a spoon scooping a portion out

 

Kid Friendly Meals with Ground Beef You’ll Love…

 

This cheeseburger macaroni skillet recipe is a ticket back to those childhood days but with a grown-up and sophisticated twist! 

It’s an easy meal that saves you time on busy nights, making homemade meals both delicious and easy.

So, why wait? Get that large skillet out and whip up some cheesy goodness!

 

Yield: 6 Servings

Cheeseburger Macaroni

zoomed in image of cheeseburger macaroni. Photo taken from the top looking down.

If there was a dish that screamed ‘comfort food’ from the rooftop, it would be this Cheeseburger Macaroni! You’ll love every bite!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Instructions

  1. In a large deep skillet brown your hamburger and diced onion.
  2. Drain any excess fat off the meat.
  3. Add cornstarch to meat mixture and mix well.
  4. Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, season salt, sugar, pepper, water, pasta and milk to hamburger meat and bring to a boil.
  5. Lower your heat and allow mixture to simmer with the lid on for 8 - 10 minutes, until pasta is done cooking.
  6. Add cheddar cheese and turn off heat. Stir until the cheese is melted.
  7. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Notes

Play with the recipe to adapt it to your personal tastes. Add a little sour cream at the end or some chili powder. Or add a can of Rotel for a change in flavor! Have fun and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 392Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 487mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 30g
Originally Posted: November 30, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: October 30, 2023

Recipe Adapted from: A Southern Mom

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Leela

Sunday 12th of November 2023

Made this last night. It smelled so good while cooking, just like hamburger helper from my childhood. But it tasted so much better than that! Hubs loved it, too. We had it with salad. Thanks for a nostalgic dinner!

Janelle

Thursday 29th of February 2024

Awe thanks Leela! It is just like hamburger helper as a kid! So glad it was a hit!

Jocelyn

Monday 21st of October 2019

Very good and easy. Perfect for a rainy Monday. I added a can of tomato soup and chili powder. 😀

Janelle

Thursday 24th of October 2019

Thank you Jocelyn! Great addition ideas! Thanks!

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