Homemade Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni)

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This homemade Hamburger Helper is creamy, meaty, cheesy, and just as easy as the boxed kind. A one-skillet dinner just like you remember, only better!

All The Nostalgia, Without The Box

Say what you want about Hamburger Helper, but for what it is, it’s great! When I first got married, I’m pretty sure my husband and I lived off of it. We would both come home from a long day of school and work without the time or energy to make a fancy dinner, and we definitely didn’t have the money to go out. So, Hamburger Helper it was!

There are all kinds of flavors and variations (I’ll share some of the best ones below), but Cheeseburger Macaroni was always my favorite. Now we make it homemade, and it’s honestly just as easy, tastes better, and my kids love it!

I even bought a box of the real Hamburger Helper and compared it side-by-side with this recipe. The flavors and textures are surprisingly similar, but the homemade version just tastes better with real cheese and simple sauce ingredients. Cost-wise, you’re probably paying about the same, if not a little less.

My favorite part is that the noodles cook right in the sauce, so it really is a one-skillet meal. If you like Hamburger Helper, there’s really no reason not to try making it from scratch. You’re going to love it!

🩷 Erica

All The Nostalgia, Without The Box
Hamburger Helper Ingredients
How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper
Hamburger Helper Variations & Flavors
Expert Tips
Make Ahead, Storage, and Re-Heating
What To Serve With Hamburger Helper
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas
Homemade Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni) Recipe

Hamburger Helper Ingredients

Ingredients to make homemade hamburger helper including ground beef, milk, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, cornstarch, macaroni pasta, salt, and extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Ground beef – I usually use lean ground beef, around 90/10 or 93/7, so there isn’t a lot of grease to drain off. You can use whatever you have on hand, though. Ground turkey also works well if you want a lighter option. For tips on cooking ground turkey so it doesn’t taste like turkey, check out our Ground Turkey Spaghetti recipe!
Noodles – Elbow macaroni is the classic choice and the one I prefer for that true Hamburger Helper feel. Other small pasta shapes like medium shells, rotini, or cavatappi will work too, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Sauce – The sauce is made right in the skillet with beef broth, milk, and a little cornstarch to help it thicken. I like using whole milk or 2% for the creamiest sauce, but lower-fat milk will still work.
Seasonings – I keep the seasonings pretty simple with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dry mustard.
Cheese – Extra-sharp cheddar is my favorite because you get plenty of cheesy flavor without needing a ton of cheese. I definitely recommend shredding it yourself from a block if you can. Pre-shredded cheese works, but it doesn’t melt quite as smoothly.

How to Make Homemade Hamburger Helper

Skillet with browned ground beef and seasonings. Wooden spoon on the side.

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle in the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dry mustard, then drain any extra grease.

Skillet with brown ground beef, beef broth, and elbow macaroni pasta stir together.

Stir the uncooked macaroni and beef broth into the skillet with the beef.

Small glass mixing bowl with milk and cornstarch being mixed with a whisk.

Whisk the cornstarch into the cold milk until smooth, then pour it into the skillet and stir everything together.

Stirring together homemade hamburger helper ingredients in a skillet with a lid on the side.

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then turn the heat down, cover, and let it simmer for about 9 minutes. Give it a good stir every couple of minutes so the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick.

Skillet of homemade hamburger helper with a wooden spoon.

Take off the lid and check the pasta. If it needs another minute or two, keep cooking uncovered, stirring often, until the macaroni is tender.

Adding shredded cheddar cheese to cooked homemade hamburger helper in a skillet.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it is melted and creamy. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before serving so the sauce has a chance to thicken up.

Hamburger Helper Variations & Flavors

Bacon Cheeseburger – Stir cooked, crumbled bacon into the finished dish and use sharp cheddar cheese. Top with extra bacon, diced pickles, and chopped green onions to make it taste like a cheeseburger.

Three Cheese – Use a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan (or mozzarella) instead of just cheddar. The combination makes the sauce extra creamy and cheesy.

Cheesy Ranch – Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning along with the other seasonings, then finish with sharp cheddar cheese. Top with chopped green onions and crispy bacon for even more ranch flavor.

Stroganoff – Swap the cheddar cheese for 4 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup sour cream stirred in at the end. Add sliced mushrooms with the onions and season with a little paprika and Worcestershire sauce for a rich, creamy stroganoff twist.

Cheesy Italian Shells – Use medium pasta shells instead of macaroni and replace the cheddar with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add Italian seasoning, garlic, and 2 cups of marinara or spaghetti sauce for classic Italian flavor.

Four Cheese Lasagna – Swap the macaroni for mafalda noodles (mini lasagna noodles) or broken lasagna noodles. Stir in a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses, then sprinkle extra mozzarella on top and broil for a few minutes until bubbly.

Chili Macaroni – Add a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, and a can of Ro-Tel (tomatoes with green chiles). Stir in a can of chili beans, then top with shredded cheddar, green onions, and sour cream.

Expert Tips

Brown the beef well. Let the ground beef develop some deep brown color before stirring. Those browned bits add a ton of flavor to the sauce.

Drain the grease (if needed). If you’re using beef with a higher fat content, drain off the excess grease so the finished sauce stays creamy instead of oily.

Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Don’t overcook the macaroni. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so cook it just until al dente for the best texture.

Keep the heat low when adding the cheese. High heat can cause cheese to separate or become grainy. Remove the pan from the heat or turn it to low before stirring in the cheese.

Adjust the consistency before serving. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or beef broth. If it’s a little thin, let it sit for a few minutes and it should thicken as it cools.

Season at the end. Taste the finished dish before adding extra salt. Depending on the broth and cheese you use, it may already be perfectly seasoned.

Add some veggies. Finely diced onions, mushrooms, carrots, or even cauliflower blend right into the sauce and make the meal a little heartier. You can also stir in some sautéed zucchini, corn, peas, green beans, or any of your other favorite veggies at the end (or serve it on the side)!

Make Ahead, Storage, and Re-Heating

Store leftover Hamburger Helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will soak up some of the sauce as they sit, so I like to add a splash of milk when reheating to make it creamy again. You can warm it in a skillet over low to medium-low heat, stirring often, or microwave it in short intervals and stir in between. Try not to overheat it or the cheese sauce can get a little oily. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, but keep in mind the pasta will be a little softer once thawed and reheated.

What To Serve With Hamburger Helper

We usually keep it simple with a green salad, peas, corn, cooked broccoli, roasted green beans, or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also great for sopping up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes. Elbow macaroni gives it that classic Cheeseburger Macaroni feel, but small shells, rotini, or another short pasta will also work. Just keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks because some shapes may need a little more or less liquid and cooking time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey works great in this recipe. I like to cook it with a little butter or oil since it is leaner than ground beef, and I season it well so the finished dish still has plenty of flavor. Ground chicken or sausage would also be delicious.

Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy?

Cheese can become grainy when it is added over high heat. Turn the burner to low or remove the pan from the heat before stirring in the cheese. Add it a little at a time and stir until each handful has melted before adding more.

Is homemade Hamburger Helper made in one pot?

Yes! The macaroni cooks right in the same pan with the ground beef and sauce, so there is no need to boil it separately. Not only does this mean fewer dishes, but the pasta also absorbs all that delicious flavor as it cooks.