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Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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A quick, comforting one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender elbow macaroni, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or any dairy-free milk)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break apart with a spoon. When beef starts to brown, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until tomato paste darkens slightly.
  3. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, beef broth, and milk. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth or milk if it looks too dry.
  4. Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thick, stir in a little more milk to loosen.
  6. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Stir pasta every 5 minutes while simmering to prevent sticking. Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and flavor. Cook cream cheese and milk on low heat to avoid curdling. Can substitute gluten-free pasta and dairy-free milk/cheese for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger macaroni, hamburger helper, quick dinner, one-pot meal, comfort food, ground beef recipe, cheesy pasta

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