Cheesy Hamburger Helper made with ground beef, macaroni, cheddar cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce. A cozy homemade twist on a classic favorite.
You know those nights when dinner needs to be easy, or else it’s cereal again? Yeah, that was me last week. I’d totally forgotten about my kid’s practice running late and got home with a hangry family staring me down. The fridge situation? Questionable—but I had ground beef, pasta, and cheese.
Instant throwback moment. Remember those boxed Hamburger Helper meals? My mom practically kept them in bulk when I was a kid—though let’s be honest, I was mostly there for the cheese sauce. So, inspired by pure hunger and nostalgia, I figured, why not try a homemade version?
Spoiler alert: It rocked. Creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously comforting. My husband even said, “Why haven’t we been making this all along?” (Which totally felt like a win.) And you know what? It took barely 30 minutes. So if you’re looking for a meal that’s cozy and crazy easy, this one’s it.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Helper Recipe?
Alright, here’s why this homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper is way better than the boxed version:
- Fast Fix: Dinner’s done in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- All-in-One Meal: Meat, pasta, and sauce? Total one-pan magic.
- Cheesy Comfort: That rich cheddar sauce is pure cozy vibes.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy, just pantry staples you probably already have.
- Family Favorite: Kid-approved. Husband-approved. Approved by me because I didn’t have to make two dinners.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down—every ingredient plays a part in making this meal so darn good.
- Ground Beef: I use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor. Leaner works too, but the little extra fat adds richness.
- Butter & Flour: These two make the magic happen. They create the base for the creamy sauce.
- Beef + Chicken Broth: Sounds weird together? Trust me—it adds the perfect balance of savory and light.
- Half-and-Half: The creaminess MVP. If you don’t have it, milk + a splash of heavy cream works too.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds the zing. Go for freshly grated—it melts better.
- Macaroni: Classic, but feel free to swap with shells, penne, or whatever’s hiding in your pantry.
- Seasonings: The real game changers—onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, mustard powder, parsley, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Pro Tip: The smoked paprika? Not optional. It gives a subtle, smoky vibe that makes the sauce.
How To Make Cheesy Hamburger Helper?
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Ever get halfway through a recipe and realize you forgot to chop something? Me too. So, mix the broths, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings together in a big measuring cup first. Boom—instant sauce mix, ready to go.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with a little salt and pepper, and cook it up until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart as it cooks—think bite-sized pieces, not burger chunks. Once it’s done, drain any excess grease and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
In the same skillet (because nobody’s got time for extra dishes), melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk like you mean it. After about 2 minutes, it’ll get lightly golden—that’s your sign it’s working.
Now, slowly pour in the sauce mix you made earlier, whisking the whole time. Go slow—this keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free. Crumble in the bouillon cube for extra savory goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook the macaroni in salted boiling water. Pro tip: Salt the water like it’s the ocean—it makes all the difference.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Once the pasta’s al dente, drain it but don’t rinse. That starch helps the sauce cling better.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Time to get cheesy! Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Stir gently so it melts into a dreamy, velvety sauce.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet, then toss in the macaroni. Stir everything together, letting the sauce hug every piece of pasta. If it seems a little thin, trust me—it thickens as it sits for a minute.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Scoop big, cozy portions into bowls and get ready for some serious comfort food happiness. Maybe sprinkle on a little extra cheese (because, obviously).
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce and beef (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep things creamy.
Variations and Substitutions:
This dish is flexible—make it your own!
- Switch the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheese Choices: Mix in some Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for extra zip.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas.
- Pasta Swaps: Penne, shells, or fusilli all work great too.
What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Helper?
This dish is pure comfort food, but if you want a little something on the side:
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs = happiness.
- Simple Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens helps balance the richness.
- Steamed Veggies: Think broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Pickles: Seriously. That tangy crunch? Perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! Just cook the sauce and beef, then add freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it al dente and avoid overcooking when reheating.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but fresh grated cheese melts so much better.
This Cheesy Hamburger Helper is the kind of cozy, no-fuss meal that turns a rough day around. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes! Did your family love it? Any fun twists you added? Drop a comment—I’m all ears!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cheesy Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ beef bouillon cube optional
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ½ pound macaroni approximately 2 cups
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Before starting, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings in a large measuring cup. Stir to blend. This will be your sauce base. Grate the cheddar cheese and measure the pasta to streamline the cooking process.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it into smaller pieces, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate, setting it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color, ensuring the flour is fully cooked.
- Gradually pour in the prepared sauce mixture in small increments, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If using, crumble the beef bouillon cube into the sauce for added richness. Continue stirring as the sauce begins to thicken.
Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to retain the starches that help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Melt the Cheddar Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring gently with each addition. Continue mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the drained macaroni and stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce appears slightly thin, allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve
- Serve immediately while warm. For an extra cheesy finish, consider sprinkling additional shredded cheddar on top just before serving.
Notes
- Pasta: Substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta such as brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or quinoa pasta.
- Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. If using cornstarch, reduce the amount to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Bouillon: Ensure the beef bouillon cube is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat derivatives.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
