One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni – Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Craving something cozy, cheesy, and straight out of a childhood dream? 🧀✨ Then you’re in for a treat with this One-Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni – Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper! 🍔🍝

This dish is everything you love about comfort food — hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, and a velvety cheese sauce that ties it all together. The best part? It all comes together in one pot (yes, really!), which means less mess and more time to relax. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you just need that warm, satisfying bite that feels like a hug from the inside out. 🤗

We’re skipping the boxed stuff and making it from scratch — but don’t worry, it’s just as quick and twice as flavorful! With simple pantry ingredients and that nostalgic cheesy goodness, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, grab your favorite pot and let’s make some magic happen! 🍳

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Ingredients

🍖 For the Main Dish

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp mustard powder (optional for a tangy kick)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)

🧀 For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
• 2 tbsp cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

🌿 Garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until nicely browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Aromatics:
   Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened — this builds that delicious base flavor. 😋
3. Season the Meat:
   Add salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder (if using). Stir well to coat the beef evenly in the spices.
4. Add Liquids & Pasta:
   Pour in the beef broth, milk, and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
5. Simmer Until Tender:
   Let it cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Add the Cheesy Magic:
   Stir in shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and butter. Mix until melted and smooth, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of macaroni. 🧀💛
7. Taste & Adjust:
   Taste and season with a little extra salt or pepper if needed. For a creamy kick, add a splash more milk.
8. Serve Hot:
   Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives, and enjoy that nostalgic, hearty flavor that brings everyone to the table fast! 🍽️

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4

⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 kcal
🥩 Protein: 29 g
🍝 Carbohydrates: 35 g
🧀 Fat: 24 g
💧 Sodium: 710 mg
🌿 Fiber: 2 g

This one-pot cheeseburger macaroni is simple, satisfying, and full of classic homemade flavor. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️