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One Pot Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper
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5 from 5 votes

One Pot Cheeseburger Helper Recipe

This Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is way better than the boxed version, and just as easy to make! Ready in just 30 minutes, and loaded with lots of real cheddar cheese!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Keyword: one pan meal
Servings: 4

Equipment

  • large deep saute pan or cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, diced 
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or table salt 
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour 
  • 2 cups beef broth 
  • 1 ½ cups milk (use what you drink) (do not use skim milk)
  • 2 cups (or ½ lb) dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
  • 2 cups (or 1 8 oz block) grated yellow sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • In a large deep sauté pan or cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
    2. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, 5 minutes.
    3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up as you go until browned, 4-5 minutes.
    4. Add tomato paste, stir well into meat mixture, and cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until slightly deepened in color.
    5. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, pepper, and flour and stir until well combined. Cook 1 minute.
    6. Slowly whisk in beef broth, then add milk and stir well.
    7. Add pasta, bring heat to high, and bring to a boil.
    8. Once boiling - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is cooked through, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick for 10-12 minutes.
    9. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.