Description
This Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a blend of spices to create a comforting, cheesy skillet meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a creamy cheese sauce thickened with cornstarch and seasoned with paprika, onion, and garlic powders for a familiar and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cornstarch
Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix Seasonings and Combine: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Add this spice mix to the drained beef in the skillet and stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasonings.
- Add Liquids and Pasta, Then Simmer: Pour in the hot water and milk to the seasoned beef and stir. Add the elbow macaroni, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate Cheese and Thicken Sauce: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. Remove the skillet from heat and let the dish stand for a few minutes; this resting time will help the sauce thicken and become creamy.
- Serve: Spoon the cheeseburger macaroni onto plates or bowls and enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk for a lighter dish, though the sauce may be less creamy.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes when mixing the seasonings.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, hamburger helper, ground beef pasta, quick skillet dinner, cheesy pasta dish
