Get ready for a homemade, healthier twist on the beloved boxed dinner – introducing the Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet, aka the ultimate Hamburger Helper upgrade.
This one-skillet wonder seamlessly brings together seasoned ground beef and onions, simmered alongside pasta in a rich tomato sauce infused with beef broth, and crowned with a generous layer of gooey cheese. Plus, the best part? It’s a quick and delightful 30-minute dinner that’ll have everyone craving seconds!”
How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
- Heat up a large skillet over medium heat with a little EVOO. Once it’s hot, toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and green pepper. Let the beef brown to perfection, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s done, drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add a delightful array of spices, including paprika, parsley, garlic powder (or fresh garlic if you prefer), cayenne pepper, sea salt, and pepper.
- Now it’s time to make the sauce: Pour in the milk, beef broth, diced tomatoes (optional), Dijon mustard, and tomato sauce. As the skillet starts to bubble, introduce the uncooked elbow macaroni into the mix. Stir everything with care, ensuring that each pasta piece gets a chance to soak up all the mouthwatering flavors.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and let the magic happen. Allow the pasta to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking.
- The grand finale comes with the addition of two cups of shredded cheese and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Once the cheese is melted to perfection, your Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is ready to serve and steal the show at dinner time. Get ready for the whole family to gather around, eager to savor each savory and satisfying bite.
USELESS FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- Customizable Ingredients: This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different taste preferences. You can easily customize the ingredients by adding vegetables like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color. Additionally, feel free to use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorites, to create your own unique cheeseburger macaroni masterpiece.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you or your family members follow a gluten-free diet, no worries! You can easily swap the regular elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious and comforting dish. With this simple substitution, everyone can indulge in the cheesy goodness without any gluten concerns.
- Meal Prep and Leftovers: The Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Simply store any extra portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for easy and quick reheating throughout the week. This makes it an ideal option for busy weeknights or lunchtime at the office.
- Family-Friendly Dish: This dish is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. The combination of creamy cheese and comforting pasta with the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef creates a meal that’s both familiar and incredibly satisfying.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple and affordable ingredients, the Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s a great choice for families looking to enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
- Pairing Options: Wondering what to serve with this delectable skillet? It pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread. The possibilities are endless!
- Freezer-Friendly: Want to prepare this dish in advance or make a larger batch? The Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet is freezer-friendly! Portion out any leftovers into freezer-safe containers, and you’ll have an easy-to-reheat meal waiting for you on busy days.
With its wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, this one-skillet wonder proves that homemade meals can be not only healthier but also incredibly delectable. Say goodbye to the boxed version and embrace the goodness of this Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet for a heartwarming, comforting, and oh-so-delicious dinner option that will become an instant favorite at your table. Enjoy! 🍝🧀🌟
CHEESEBURGER MACARONI SKILLET (HAMBURGER HELPER)
Like this recipe? Pin it to your DINNER board!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. And consider following me on Facebook and Pinterest!
Print
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet (aka Hamburger Helper)
Description
A homemade, healthier version of the famous boxed dinner. Seasoned ground beef and onions simmer alongside pasta in tomato sauce and beef broth and is then topped with cheese for a one skillet 30 minute dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 – ½ lbs. Ground Beef
- ½ Cup Onion, diced
- ½ Cup Green Pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (you can use fresh too)
- ÂĽ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ÂĽ tsp Sea Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ Cups Whole Milk
- 1 ½ Cups Beef Broth
- 1 /2 (15 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes (optional)
- 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni, uncooked (whole wheat will add a few min to the cooking time)
- 1 Cup Tomato Sauce (try to find one with low sugar or make your own)
- 2 Cups Cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, onion and green pepper (if using), breaking up the beef as it cooks. When done, drain if necessary and add the paprika, parsley, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir.
- Stir in the milk, broth, diced tomatoes, Dijon mustard and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil, add the pasta and stir. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover.  Cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in shredded cheese and parmesan cheese until melted.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS:
CLASSIC CAESAR SALAD
WHOLE WHEAT HONEY BUNS
LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES?
Subscribe to our newsletter to get family friendly healthy recipes delivered to your inbox. You can also find us sharing more recipes on PINTEREST and FACEBOOK.
I love your easy quick dinners Debi, especially the Garlic and Butter Sauce – like the commercial says ‘I put that sh*t on everything”. This is yet another meal saving recipe. When I come home and have no idea what to make, this is the first recipe that comes to mind. I usually have everything but the chop meat. So I just grab some and dinner is done. I found your site last year and I subscribed and can’t wait for new recipes.
Hi Alex – thanks for leaving such a nice comment. My kids have since left the nest for college but it was recipes like this one that saved me on many nights.
Homemade comfort food – is there anything better?
Super quick, super easy. It’s in our monthly rotation now. Homemade is the best.
Who can tell me what cheese goes best with this? Cheddar?
Hi Chris – any cheese you like would work. I would avoid pure mozzarella though b/c it can get lost. I prefer a mixed blend of Mexican cheeses.
So Yummy! And very easy to modify for vegetarians. Thank you for this! I used TVP for burger, almond milk and added 1/2 cup Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis. Big hit with my son.
Hi Charly – I love your substitutions!
I am an avid camper and went on a camping trip with the guys. Had no idea what to make, most everyone already took the good ideas for our rotation. My wife suggested this and it was bank! I doubled the recipe and between 4 guys we cleaned it out. Was delicious. My only mistake was not saving some for myself for the next morning.
HA !!! Thanks Doug. I appreciate the comment.
Can I tell anyone out there who has kids that this will be a winner in your house! Omit whatever you think the kids won’t like (peppers,onions etc). It is in our regular rotation now b/c I KNOW they will eat it. Throw out the hamburger helper crap people! it’s terrible for you.
So delicious! Wouldn’t change a thing!
thanks Esther – it’s just a comforting easy meal, isn’t it?
My children (who are now grown) always loved this meal. Now I make it without the peppers and onions, but add in crispy bacon and a little cabbage that was cooked in the bacon grease. Still a winner!!
How many servings does the regular amount make versus the x2 recipe?
Looks amazing! It is on our dinner list for this week. What type of organic cheese did you use? Cheddar?
most likely Stacey, but I have been known to use any cheese I have on hand.
This recipe is fantastic! My kids absolutely love it and it has become a staple in bi weekly menu.
THANKS Joy !!!
The quickest dinner was ever on the table. Kids loved ut.hubs loved it. Going in the rotation