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!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
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.
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.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
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.
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.
Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet and mix well to combine everything.
Serve hot, garnished with a little extra shredded cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade cheeseburger macaroni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3258 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 202.9 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.5 g | 508% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 634 mg | 212% | |
| Sodium | 6002 mg | 261% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 190.7 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.3 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.2 g | ||
| Protein | 177.7 g | 355% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 2016 mg | 155% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 1846 mg | 39% | |
*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.
