Cheeseburger Macaroni (Better than Hamburger Helper)

If you’re craving a quick and easy dinner recipe, this Cheeseburger Macaroni is the perfect comfort food. It’s a homemade version of Hamburger Helper, but way better—made with real ingredients, a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and bold flavor from taco seasoning and Rotel tomatoes. This one-pot pasta dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a weeknight favorite whether you’re cooking at home or in your RV kitchen.

Not only does it taste way better than the boxed stuff, but it’s also simple enough to make on busy nights in your RV kitchen (or at home). Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better flavor – no powdered cheese packets here, just a silky, real cheddar sauce
• One-pot friendly – the beef and pasta cook together, cutting down on dishes
• Customizable – swap ground turkey, try different cheeses, or add veggies
• Family approved – hearty, filling, and picky-eater friendly (if you like family-pleasers, check out our Sweet Fire Chicken – Just Like Panda Only Better).

Cheeseburger Macaroni Ingredients

Hamburger Mixture

• 1 pound lean hamburger meat
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 cup elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cheeseburger Macaroni Directions

For the Hamburger Mixture

1. Brown and drain the hamburger meat

2. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.

4. Simmer 12–14 minutes, until macaroni is tender.

For the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour and cook 5 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.

3. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a boil, whisking until smooth and thickened.

4. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted.

5. Season with salt and pepper.

To Finish

• Pour cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture and stir gently to combine.

Tips & Variations

• Use pepper jack or Colby Jack cheese for extra flavor
• Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn to stretch the meal
• Swap in whole wheat pasta for a little more heartiness
• For a spicier version, use hot Rotel or add a dash of chili flakes

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Macaroni really is comfort food at its best—hearty, cheesy, and quick to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well in a small RV kitchen as it does in a full-size home, which is why it’s one of our go-to meals after a busy day on the road.

If you loved the classic boxed version growing up, give this homemade spin a try. It’s fresher, more flavorful, and you’ll know exactly what’s going into your dinner. Pair it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love.

Now it’s your turn! Try this Cheeseburger Macaroni (Better than Hamburger Helper) and let us know how it turned out in the comments. If you’re looking for more RV-friendly meals, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Jambalaya or our go-to comfort food, Sweet Fire Chicken – Just Like Panda Only Better. For more about our life on the road with Sierra, check out Full Time RVing With Dogs.

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