Cheeseburger macaroni is a one pot meal with ground beef and elbow macaroni in an easy cheesy sauce! This hearty dish is filled with tasty pantry staples! No complicated ingredients.
Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
This is an easy copycat of Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni, perfect for busy weeknights!
This homemade casserole is a one-pot wonder. The whole dish is made in one skillet for less mess and less cleanup. This copycat hamburger helper recipe is made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. Budget-friendly, add extra pasta and sauce to stretch it even further. This dinner is just as quick as the boxed version and it’s on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef and drain off any fat after cooking. Substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken. Sauce – The pasta is simmered with seasonings in chicken broth and milk until tender. Beef broth can be substituted, but we find chicken broth to give the best flavor. Cheese – Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cheese. A bold cheese like sharp cheddar cheese adds the most flavor. Try any kind of cheese, but be sure at least one has a sharp, bold flavor. Seasonings – Salt, paprika, and pepper are the seasonings of choice for this stove-top casserole. For extra flavor add some hamburger helper to the dish or a package of instant soup.
Variations
Swap the milk for light cream for extra creaminess or stir in a little sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a little tang. Change up the seasonings with a tablespoon of tomato paste or 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard. Add fresh vegetables like onion, celery, or tomatoes.
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni
There are a variety of flavors of Hamburger Helper; this version is a copycat cheeseburger macaroni recipe. Serve with a simple and colorful side dish to complement the cheesy, meaty richness. Try steamed brussels sprouts, baked butternut squash, or homemade cornbread.
Storing Leftovers
This macaroni dish will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and for 1 month in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or place in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
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