Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper Recipe

ditch the MSG and mystery ingredients! This recipe lets you create a delicious, customizable cheeseburger macaroni from scratch. Make your own flavorful sauce packets ahead of time for super-fast weeknight meals. Control the seasonings and cheese to perfection – it's the ultimate comfort food upgrade!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 22 mins
Calories 961.9 kcal
Protein 170g
Rating 4.2 (81 Reviews)
Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper

  • 92% Lean Ground Beef
  • Hot Water
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • Onion Powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Sugar

How to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While macaroni is cooking, brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, milk, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  5. Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra cheese or your favorite toppings (e.g., chopped green onions, bacon bits).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

43 g

Sugar

9g

Fat

114g

Carbs

13g