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Bowl of homemade hamburger helper.
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Homemade Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni)

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!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 382kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
  • 1 1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded (by hand is best)

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dry mustard. Drain off any excess grease.
    Skillet with browned ground beef and seasonings. Wooden spoon on the side.
  • Stir the dry macaroni and beef broth into the skillet.
    Skillet with brown ground beef, beef broth, and elbow macaroni pasta stir together.
  • In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk the cornstarch into the cold milk until completely smooth. Pour the milk mixture into the skillet and stir well.
    Small glass mixing bowl with milk and cornstarch being mixed with a whisk.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 9 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the macaroni cooks evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.
    Stirring together homemade hamburger helper ingredients in a skillet with a lid on the side.
  • Remove the lid and stir well. If the macaroni is still a little firm, continue cooking uncovered for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
    Skillet of homemade hamburger helper with a wooden spoon.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy. Let the cheeseburger macaroni rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it stands.
    Adding shredded cheddar cheese to cooked homemade hamburger helper in a skillet.

Nutrition

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 510mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 425IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 2mg