This easy one-pot dinner is a copycat version of Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni! My recipe uses from scratch ingredients to recreate this classic kid-friendly comfort food dish in minutes.

Homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni on plate


Cheesburger macaroni. Those two words were my favorite to hear when I would ask my mom “what’s for dinner?” I absolutely LOVED Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni. It was so simple and cheesy and filled with carbs. And browned ground beef, which I could easily just eat out of the pan and be really, really happy.

But you know what? This homemade version is even better.

Like the original, this is an easy weeknight dinner any time of year. Even made from scratch, this Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni recipe is ready in just about 30 minutes. And my homemade version is made with real cheese, milk, onions, garlic and love! (Look at the ingredient list on the boxed version. Love is not listed!)

If you don’t count salt, pepper and water, this Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni skillet recipe doesn’t require more then 7 ingredients. You probably already have everything you need to make it right now—and the one-pot deal keeps things clean in the kitchen. (I hate dishes more than anyone I know; in fact, I have a sink full 80% of the time. So, one-pot dishes are king in this house.)

Overhead view of ingredients for hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni

Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

  • Lean Ground Beef – I haven’t tried it, but I think this recipe would work just fine with ground turkey too.
  • Vidalia Onion – Or another sweet onion, like Walla Walla.
  • Garlic – Mince this finely or use a garlic press.
  • Kosher Salt and Ground Pepper – Essential seasonings for any recipe!
  • Garlic Powder – For savory flavor.
  • Low-Fat Milk – You can use another variety of milk if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Chicken Stock – I love using this Homemade Chicken Stock, but store-bought is just fine.
  • Elbow Macaroni – Since this is a one-pan recipe, I don’t recommend using a different shape of pasta unless it cooks in the same amount of time as macaroni.
  • Cheese – Three types! Shredded Colby Jack cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and American cheese.
Overhead view of browned ground beef in skillet
Cooking onions in skillet
Ingredients for hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni in skillet
Homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni cooking in skillet

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

This easy dinner comes together quickly, easily and inexpensively. Clean up is a breeze, too!

  1. Cook the beef. Brown the ground beef until no longer pink and transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon. Drain off all but two tablespoons of fat.
  2. Sweat the onions. Sauté the onion in the pan until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for one minute. Add the salt, pepper and garlic powder. 
  3. Simmer. Return the beef to the pan, then stir in the milk, stock and macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. 
  4. Finish. Cover and cook until the macaroni is tender. Stir in the cheese and serve immediately.
Overhead view of hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni in skillet

Tips for Making Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

Here are some tips for making perfect cheeseburger macaroni!

  • Make it creamier. If you want a creamier consistency, you can swap the milk for heavy cream or Half and Half. This adds so much richness to the recipe.
  • Give it a stir once in a while. If the pan looks like it’s starting to get dry before the pasta is tender, add another splash of stock. (Also, make sure the heat is on low—this can happen if the heat is a bit too high.)
  • Shred your own cheese. It’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t, but when you shred your own cheese, it melts a lot more smoothly than the store-bought shreds.
Overhead view of hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni on plate

How to Store Leftover Cheeseburger Macaroni

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer bag or container. 

To reheat, thaw frozen cheeseburger macaroni in the fridge overnight. Warm up your leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet. (I think the microwave is best for this recipe since it’s less likely to dry out.)

Homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni on plate

What to Serve With Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

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Homemade hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni on plate

Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
The BEST kid friendly dinner around, this Hamburger Helper copy cat Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is fast, easy and always vanishes in minutes. So good!
4.43 from 7 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 vidalia onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken stock (or broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 5 slices american cheese, cut into small pieces

Equipment

  • 1 skillet

Instructions 

  • In a large skillet over med-high heat, brown the ground beef until completely cooked and no longer pink. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon and drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat.
  • Return the beef to the pan. Stir in the milk, chicken stock and macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil and then turn to heat to low.
  • Add the onion to the pan and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Serve immediately.

Video

Serving: 0g, Calories: 435kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 83mg, Sodium: 716mg, Potassium: 500mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 460IU, Vitamin C: 2.4mg, Calcium: 412mg, Iron: 2.4mg
Author: Kellie
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American