Homemade Cheeseburger Helper is the healthier, homemade version of boxed Hamburger Helper. Creamy, cheesy, and easy!
Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl who moved to Minneapolis after college to whoop it up for a few years before settling down into adulthood, or whatever it is they call being a middle-twenties-something.
The boy and the girl were dating, but lived in separate apartments. The girl liked to have the boy over for dinner as often as she could because she liked the boy a lot, but also because she knew what the boy would eat every night if left to his own devices.
See, while the girl liked to cook meals full of fresh veggies and protein (for the most part,) the boy had a weakness for boxed dinners that called for a pound of hamburger to “help” them along.
The meals were quick, cheap, and painless to prepare, but loaded with salt and weird ingredients.
“Disodium guanylate?” The girl once asked the boy, after looking at the ingredient list.
“I think that just means ‘extra delicious’.” The boy replied.
The boy and the girl ended up getting married and moving back to Iowa a few years later, and while they’ve been eating well ever since, he occasionally likes to think of the boxed dinners from his bachelor days and drool a little.
More in love with the boy than ever, the girl offered to whip up a homemade version of his favorite “flavor”, Cheeseburger Macaroni.
And the boy LOVED IT. And guess what? The girl did too!
Ok. The jig is up. The boy is my husband Ben, and the girl is me. ;) The entire story is true, including the part where my husband inhales his bowl of Cheeseburger Macaroni anytime I make it.
Not only is this meal inexpensive, but it’s made in one pot with fridge and pantry staples.
SUCH a winning recipe — you’ve got to give it a try!
Start by browning 1lb ground beef then drain and return it to the skillet.
Next, sprinkle in a rainbow of seasonings and thickeners, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
Add water and skim milk then stir to combine.
Lastly add any short cut pasta. I usually use elbow macaroni. The pasta you see here is mini penne. They both work great!
Stir everything together, place a lid on top of the pot, then simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finally, stir in sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. That’s it!
This meal is the ultimate in comfort food, shockingly easy to prepare, and so darn good. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk, any kind
- 1-1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni, or other small pasta
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat then drain and return to the skillet. Add cornstarch, seasonings, hot water, milk, and pasta then stir to combine and bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium then place a lid on top and simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring a few times.
- Turn off the heat then add the cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Let the dish stand for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened then serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
Easy & Good.
I substituted real chopped sweet onion and garlic. Then sautéed before returning meat to the pan.
That sounds great, Bruce! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Sounds delish! Whenever I make something like this with gf pasta, it breaks apart. What brand do you recommend?
Hi Carol! I like a corn-rice blend pasta like Barilla GF!
This is our go-to dinner! Easy, cheesy and delicious! Love that I can use gluten free or regular pasta.
Wohoo! So happy to hear this, Erin, and I’m glad you find the recipe to be flexible, too. Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Been using this recipe for years…good stuff!
I’m so glad to hear that!! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!
Always a winner, this one. I’ve making it since it was first posted – how long ago was that!? I like to add a can of corn after noodles are done to stretch it a bit.
Oh I love hearing this, Alyssa — it’s been YEARS!!
Could I make with gluten-free pasta?
Hi Karen! Yes, I use gluten free elbows in this recipe!
This is a staple in our house over the years. My whole family loves it! Thank you!
Oh I love hearing that, Christy! Thank you so much for your feedback and recipe rating!