Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta 🍔🧀🍝
Skip the boxed mix. This Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta is creamy, cheesy, packed with ground beef, and made in one pot using simple pantry ingredients. It's one of the highest-traffic ground beef recipes on Pinterest and Google.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pot dinner
- Better than the boxed version
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Family favorite
- Budget-friendly
- Great leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
Step 1
Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
Drain excess grease.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 2
Add:
- Beef broth
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Stir well.
Step 3
Add uncooked macaroni.
Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
Step 4
Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water.
Stir into the skillet.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5
Add:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Serve hot with extra cheddar cheese on top.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta?
Yes. Shells, rotini, or cavatappi work well.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the sauce may thicken after thawing.
What goes with Cheeseburger Pasta?
Garlic bread, green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad.