Like Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this easy, homemade take on "Like Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni." This one-pan wonder combines tender elbow macaroni, juicy ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce made from real cheddar for a meal that's creamy, hearty, and packed with nostalgic flavors. Flavored with a customizable blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, and cooked to perfection in a savory mixture of beef broth and milk, this recipe is both quick and budget-friendly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleasing skillet dish delivers a homemade twist on the classic boxed dinner with no artificial flavors—just pure comfort in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart into crumbles with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to make a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the beef broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps.

Step 5

Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 8

Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and mix well to combine everything.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with a little extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade cheeseburger macaroni!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1675.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3257.7

Total Fat 202.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.7g
Cholesterol 634.5mg	0%
Sodium 6002.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.3g	0%
Total Sugars 19.2g
Protein 177.7g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 2015.7mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 1846.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 21.5%

Carbs: 23.1%