Hamburger helper with box mac and cheese

This Cheeseburger Macaroni is a take on your favorite hamburger helper and classic American Goulash. A quick and easy, one-pot dinner with lots of flavor and cheesy goodness the entire family will ask for again and again!

Aren’t one pot meals awesome? Some others we love include our easy Jambalaya and Rice and Beans.

Quick and Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni

Looking for some dinner inspiration? I’ve got you. This cheeseburger macaroni is reminiscent of homemade hamburger helper. It’s what I call a weeknight lifesaver – quick, easy, all made in one pot, and DELISH.

Why we love it:

• Easy to make: it’s as simple as making macaroni and cheese.
• Quick: on the table in 25 minutes.
• Clean up is a breeze: this dish only requires some measuring cups, a bowl, whisk, and one pot, so clean up is easy!
• Pantry items: I bet you already have most (if not all!) of the ingredients on hand.
• Budget friendly: you’re looking at around $15 to make this and it feeds 6.
• Picky eater approved: Even the pickiest of eaters love this dish!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Ground beef: We use lean 80/20. You can also use ground turkey instead.
• Onion: For great flavor.
• Olive oil: To sauté the onions.
• Elbow macaroni: Or substitute in a different small pasta.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-packaged will do if you’re in a pinch.
• Broth: Either beef or chicken broth can be used. We opt for low-sodium.
• Sauce: Tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard are mixed with the broth to create a sweet and tangy sauce for the pasta and beef to simmer in.
• Seasonings: garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt.
• Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley for flavor and a pop of color.

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni

This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes in one pot and only a few steps. It’s so easy! Here’s a summary.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

1. Brown the beef: sauté the beef and onions in the olive oil until the meat is cooked through. Drain off the grease.
2. Pour in the sauce: mix together the broth, sauce ingredients, and seasonings. Pour it over the cooked beef.
3. Add the pasta: Once the liquid is boiling, add in the pasta.
4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium and cover. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring a couple times to prevent sticking.
5. Stir in cheese: Stir in the cheese until melted.
6. Enjoy! Divide into bowls and sprinkle with a little parsley, if desired.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Macaroni

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but to round out the meal, we recommend serving it with a Simple side salad, garlic bread, and a vegetable like roasted broccoli.

Storing Leftovers

• Store. Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It is best eaten up within 2-3 days.
• Freeze. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Reheat. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of chicken broth to loosen, if necessary.

More One Pot Pasta Recipes:

• Sloppy Joe Pasta
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta
• Spaghetti Carbonara
• American Goulash
• Chili Mac
• Bacon and Broccoli One Pot Pasta

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!

This Cheeseburger Macaroni is a take on your favorite hamburger helper and classic American Goulash. A quick and easy, one-pot dinner with lots of flavor and cheesy goodness the entire family will ask for again and again!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings: 6

• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium sweet onion , diced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• chopped parsley , for garnish, optional

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, mustard, ketchup, tomato paste, garlic powder and salt. Set aside.

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Brown the beef and onions, breaking apart the meat, until the onions are soft and the meat is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and combine. Drain off grease and return pan to heat.

• Give your broth mixture a quick stir and pour it into the meat. Bring to a boil and add the macaroni.

• Reduce the heat to medium, and cover. Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender, stirring a few times to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.

• When the macaroni is done, sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Stir until melted, about 1 minute, and serve immediately.

Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 735mg | Potassium: 631mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

Other Notes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheeseburger macaroni, hamburger helper

How do you make Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni taste better?

How do you make Hamburger Helper from the box?

Do you cook pasta before Hamburger Helper?

What goes good in Hamburger Helper?