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Cheeseburger Macaroni

Cheeseburger Macaroni (Better than Hamburger Helper)

This Cheeseburger Macaroni is a homemade twist on the classic Hamburger Helper. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce come together in one skillet for a quick, hearty, and family-friendly dinner that’s way better than the boxed version.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Hamburger Mixture
  • 1 lb Lean Hamburger
  • 1 envelope Taco Seasoning
  • 1 10 oz can Rotel Tomatoes and Green Chilies (or Petite Diced Tomatoes)
  • 2 cups Beef Broth
  • 1 cup Elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp Flour
  • 3/4 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

Equipment

  • Magma Pots and Pans

Method
 

For the Hamburger Mixture
  1. Brown and drain hamburger meat.
  2. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce 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
  1. Pour cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture and stir gently to combine.

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Use pepper jack or Colby Jack cheese for extra flavor
  • Add sautéed 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