This Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni copycat recipe is the perfect combination of classic cheeseburger flavors and comforting pasta, all cooked in just one pot for easy cleanup. This family favorite meal is ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Please note that this Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta recipe was re-tested and updated in 2024 with new photos and a revised recipe. Enjoy!
Is Hamburger Helper one of your childhood favorites? You're not alone! This family friendly one-pot pasta dish has been popular for decades. Honestly, who can resist tender pasta slathered in a cheesy sauce. Even picky eaters devour the stuff.
But did you know you can skip the boxed version and make this easy meal in just about the same amount of time? You just need a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The whole family will love it and you'll feel good serving a delicious dinner made from scratch with real ingredients you can pronounce.
Busy weeknights are no joke, so I know how important easy dinners are when you have a hungry family to feed. Give this Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni easy recipe a try and I'm sure it will make it into your regular meal rotation.
Give my American Chop Suey with Ground Beef a try next!
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom for precise amounts and a printable recipe card.
Lean ground beef - ground meat is the classic ingredient. We like to use ground sirloin because there isn't a lot of excess fat. Ground turkey and ground chicken, and even ground sausage make nice substitutes.
Flour - I like to use unbleached all purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
Paprika
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt and Black pepper
Ketchup - tomato sauce or tomato paste can also be used instead.
Beef broth - we like the flavor of beef broth, but chicken broth can be substituted.
Milk - we use 2%, but you can use what you have on hand.
Heavy cream
Uncooked elbow macaroni - this is the traditional pasta shape, but shells and rotini pasta work well too. I think short shapes work best, but use what you might have on hand or can find at the grocery store.
Sharp cheddar cheese - mild or medium cheddar will also work.
Fresh parsley or sliced green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
1) In a large skillet over a medium-high heat, add ground beef. Brown ground beef until no longer pink.
2) Reduce to medium heat and stir in the flour. Cook for one minute, stirring to distribute evenly and avoid clumps. Now, add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, beef broth, milk, and cream. Stir to combine.
3) Turn heat to high then add in the elbow pasta, stirring to combine then let it come to a boil.
4) Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
5) Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the noodles are cooked to al dente. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
6) Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and gently stir to create a creamy cheese sauce.
7) Once the cheese is melted, garnish with parsley or sliced green onions and serve!
Cooking Tips
Make sure you use a large pot to avoid any spills or overflows.
Stir frequently: stir it frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of chili powder, some chopped fresh tomatoes, and garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
Additional flavoring like Worcestershire sauce can be added.
Can I Add Vegetables to Hamburger Helper cheeseburger pasta?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the dish to make it healthier and more filling. Some great options include diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just sauté the vegetables in the same pot before adding the beef and pasta.
Storing and Reheating
For best results, store your leftover Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta tightly covered or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in the microwave at 50% power until heated through.
Freeze in freezer safe storage containers for a month or two. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
More one pot pasta recipes
- Texas Chicken Spaghetti
- Easy Chicken Fettucine Alfredo
- Homemade Beefaroni
- Baked Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole
If you made this Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni copycat recipe, please let me know how it turned out!
📖 Recipe
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef ground sirloin
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1.5 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces elbow pasta
- 1 cups sharp cheddar cheese; shredded add 1 cup more if you like it extra cheesy
- Parsley or sliced green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet over a medium-high heat, add ground beef. Brown ground beef until no longer pink.
- Reduce to medium heat and stir in the flour. Cook for one minute, stirring to distribute evenly and avoid clumps. Now, add the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ketchup, beef broth, milk, and cream. Stir to combine.
- Turn heat to high then add in the elbow pasta, stirring to combine then let it come to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the noodles are cooked to al dente. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and gently stir to create a creamy cheese sauce. You can add more than one cup, if desired.
- Once the cheese is melted, garnish with parsley or sliced green onions and serve!
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