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One-Pot Cheesy Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Helper

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, cheesy homemade hamburger helper mixed with ground beef.

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Make this creamy, cheesy homemade Hamburger Helper from scratch in one pot. This recipe delivers the comforting flavor of the classic boxed meal faster and better, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, milk, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the elbow macaroni.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. Serve immediately for a delicious, easy ground beef noodle recipe.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, add a splash more milk or broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
  • Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

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