BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory beef and macaroni, this truly is the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni you’ll ever taste! It comes together quickly in one skillet—think comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to make everyone ask for seconds. Let’s take classic Hamburger Helper and give it a hearty, wholesome, homemade spin!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how each simple ingredient for this recipe is there for a reason—working together to create that crave-worthy, creamy, beefy, cheesy macaroni skillet! Here’s why each one makes a difference in the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni.

• Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty backbone, bringing savory flavor and that classic cheeseburger feel.
• Avocado oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and keeps everything sizzling without burning; you can use olive oil or canola in a pinch.
• Small onion, finely chopped: Sweetens and deepens the flavor base—minced onions melt right into the sauce.
• Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): For that tangy, umami punch that mimics the taste of ketchup on a burger, but richer!
• Sweet paprika (1 1/2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness—skip the smoked versions unless you love a strong smoky note.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Doubles down on that savory cheeseburger flavor.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the flavor foundation—because garlic makes everything better.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors together—don’t skimp, but always taste and adjust.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): A pinch counteracts the acidity of tomato paste, producing a perfectly balanced sauce.
• Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Not spicy—just a hint for beefy warmth (add a bit more if you want a mild kick).
• Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle background heat and depth.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that ultra-creamy texture; for gluten-free, use cornstarch dissolved in broth.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Delivers a rich sauce that clings to every macaroni bite.
• Quality beef broth (1 3/4 cups): Layers in savory, beefy notes you’d expect from a great burger.
• Dried whole wheat elbow macaroni (2 cups): Browned and nutty-tasting, this pasta holds its shape and soaks up the sauce. Use gluten-free macaroni if needed!
• Shredded Cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melted in at the end, it brings that classic “cheeseburger” finish in every mouthful.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni is how adaptable it is! Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients, adjust the spice level, or mix in extras based on what your family loves or any dietary needs—it’s nearly impossible to mess up.

• Spicy Kick: Stir in a finely diced jalapeño with the onions, or finish with a dash of hot sauce for a grown-up twist!
• Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and reduced-fat cheese to lighten things up while keeping it filling and flavorful.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add a handful of peas, diced bell pepper, or baby spinach after the pasta cooks for bursts of color and extra nutrition.
• Super-Cheesy: Mix in a cup of Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese with the Cheddar for an ultra-creamy, stretchy cheese pull.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and sub cornstarch for flour—the sauce stays perfectly thick and creamy!

How to Make BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. This step builds the deep, savory base flavor that makes the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni shine. If your beef is especially fatty, feel free to drain a bit of the excess for a less greasy result.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Seasonings

Toss in your finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent—the kitchen will already smell amazing! Now stir in the tomato paste, sweet paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, chili powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the flour over everything and toss until the beef and onions are coated. This helps the spices bloom and gets your sauce perfectly thick without lumps.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the whole milk and beef broth, scraping up any stuck-on bits at the bottom of the skillet, and stir well to combine. Add the dried whole wheat macaroni and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it all simmer together for 10-12 minutes (check at 9 for al dente). The pasta cooks right in the flavorful sauce, soaking up all that delicious cheeseburger taste!

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Remove the lid once the macaroni is tender. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until melty and smooth. The cheese pulls the sauce together and gives that gooey, irresistible finish that makes BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni so comforting! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot and fresh.

How to Serve BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni

Garnishes

Sprinkle over some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green and freshness, or try thinly sliced green onions for a little zing. If you want a true “burger night” experience, add a few diced pickles or a squiggle of ketchup and mustard on top—kids absolutely love it, and it brings out those cheeseburger vibes!

Side Dishes

Keep things classic and simple by serving with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, homemade oven fries or classic potato chips on the side are a hit—like building your own diner meal at home to accompany your BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the macaroni into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual servings—perfect for parties or game nights! Or serve it family-style, right out of the skillet at the table for maximum comfort. For a fun twist, scoop it into lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, hand-held meal (and sneak in some veggies, too).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors get even deeper overnight, making those next-day lunches extra special!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe—just cool completely first, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best creamy, cheesy texture.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot and gooey again—no dry noodles here!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an easy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal, you absolutely need to try the BEST Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni. It’s the kind of dish that never fails to make everyone at the table smile! Grab your skillet and savor the nostalgic, cheesy, beefy goodness—then watch those bowls come back for seconds (and thirds!).

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