A homemade, healthier version of boxed cheeseburger macaroni. Seasoned ground beef and onions simmer alongside pasta in tomato sauce and beef broth and is then topped with cheese for a one skillet dinner.
One of the main reasons I started this website back in 2012 was to help others avoid the boxed, processed versions of popular meals and make the same meal from scratch.
The ‘unprocessed’ part of our website tries to adhere as closely to the definition to this word as possible, while still maintaining some sort of realism that Americans love their pasta and comfort foods.
Cheeseburger macaroni is truly an American classic with all the elements that make us want to devour it with a shovel. It is comfort food all the way and it tastes as good as it looks.
This cheeseburger skillet is super easy to make and I’ve timed myself making it several times. And it takes exactly one minute LESS than the boxed version.
The best part? There’s no powdered cheese.
This recipe truly does not take a MINUTE more to make than the boxed version.
Feel free to adjust this recipe to your families tastes. I’ve added ½ can of diced tomatoes and some diced green peppers too. I’ve made it both ways and we are split in our house. I prefer it with the tomatoes and peppers, the rest do not.
You can make it either way, but I totally understand if you have kids and they don’t like those little ‘things’ in there.
Or you can make it just like pictured below. That’s the beauty of making it yourself.
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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)
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ¼ 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
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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
★★★★★