Homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper Recipe
If you love comfort food, this cheesy hamburger helper is a must-try. It's a quick and easy dinner recipe that combines savory beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes!
Servings 6 servings
Calories 456kcal
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef into a large skillet over medium high heat, stirring and breaking up as it browns.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper and flour and mix until well combined. Cook 2 minutes.
- Move the meat mixture to the sides of the pan and place the tomato paste in the empty center of the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often and then mix with the beef until well coated.
- Add broth, milk and macaroni and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cover.
- Cook covered 10-12 min stirring 2-3 times until pasta is al dente.
- Uncover, turn off the heat and stir in cheese until melted. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Don’t drain any excess grease from the ground beef. The grease combined with the flour helps create a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy. If you’re unsure, scoop out a noodle and give it a taste!
- Add some heat! Spice up your hamburger helper beef pasta with red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños.
- Use freshly shredded cheese. The pre-shredded stuff is coated with anti-caking ingredients to prevent clumping, but that also keeps the cheese from melting down really smooth. That said, it still works with pre-shredded cheese, it just melts more smoothly with freshly shredded.
- Double for a crowd. This beef hamburger helper recipe is easily doubled or tripled, perfect for feeding a larger family or group, just use a bigger pot!
- Ingredients to prep ahead- Measure out the milk first so it can warm a bit on the counter. Shred the cheese and mix your spices together too.
- Leftover and storage- Store cheeseburger mac hamburger helper in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 918mg | Potassium: 499mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 402IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 185mg | Iron: 3mg