Absolutely! While boxed Hamburger Helper traditionally comes with elbow macaroni, this homemade version is incredibly versatile. You can use almost any small-to-medium pasta shape you have on hand, such as shells, ditalini, penne, or even egg noodles. The key is to pay attention to the cooking time specified on your pasta package. For instance, if your chosen pasta takes 6-8 minutes to cook, simply adjust the simmering time in this recipe accordingly. If you notice the liquid isn’t evaporating as quickly as desired, you can cook the pasta uncovered for the last few minutes to help speed up the process. Different pasta shapes absorb liquid at varying rates, so a little observation will ensure your dish has the perfect creamy consistency.

Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper is a popular comfort food dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with macaroni pasta. Typically, the boxed version includes dried pasta and a powdered seasoning mix designed to mimic cheeseburger tastes when combined with ground beef and liquid. Our homemade version achieves the same beloved flavor profile but with fresh, whole ingredients. It’s a hearty, savory pasta dish where the ground beef, macaroni, and a creamy cheese sauce are infused with the familiar notes of ketchup, mustard, and basic spices, delivering a much richer and more authentic “cheeseburger” experience without the processed additives of the boxed variety.

Yes, you certainly can! While the original recipe calls for 8 oz of Velveeta cheese for its incredibly smooth and creamy melt, you can substitute it with 1 cup of grated cheese. Cheddar cheese is a fantastic choice for that classic cheeseburger flavor, or you could opt for a Colby blend for a slightly milder but equally delicious result. When using grated cheese, it’s best to stir it in at the very end, after the pasta has cooked, to ensure it melts smoothly and fully incorporates into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy coating for your macaroni.

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a fantastic canvas for culinary creativity! Here are some exciting variations to keep your dinners fresh and flavorful:

• Italian: Transform your dish by swapping the elbow macaroni for shells or penne. Add a generous amount of your favorite Italian spaghetti sauce and Italian seasonings like dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Stroganoff: For a rich, creamy, and savory twist, stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce after the pasta has cooked. This will give it that distinctive Stroganoff tang and velvety texture, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
• Bacon Ranch: Elevate the flavor profile by cooking crispy bacon alongside your ground beef (or add cooked, crumbled bacon at the end). Then, mix in a creamy ranch dressing or a packet of dried ranch seasoning mix to infuse every bite with that irresistible smoky, tangy ranch taste.
• Vegetarian: Make it a leaner or meat-free option by skipping the ground beef, grilled chicken, or turkey. Instead, load up on your favorite vegetables! Sauté spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms until tender, then add them into the pasta mix. You can also boost protein by adding a can of drained and rinsed beans (black beans or kidney beans work great) along with taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex-inspired “Taco Helper.” Opt for whole wheat pasta for an even healthier meal.
• Philly Cheesesteak: Capture the essence of a classic Philly cheesesteak. After browning your ground beef, fry up some thinly sliced green bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly caramelized. Add these to the skillet along with provolone or mozzarella cheese for a wonderfully savory and cheesy experience.

Yes, absolutely! The slow cooker is perfect for a hands-off approach to this comforting meal:

1. Begin by browning your ground beef in a skillet, then drain any excess fat before transferring it to your slow cooker.
2. Add all the remaining ingredients, except for the pasta and cheese, to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the final 20 minutes of cooking, stir in your elbow macaroni and cheese. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted and creamy. This method is ideal for meal prepping or when you need dinner ready by the time you get home.

The Instant Pot makes this dish even faster and just as delicious:

1. Start by using the sauté mode on your Instant Pot to brown the ground beef. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
2. Pour in about half of the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is crucial to prevent a “burn” error.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (macaroni, cheese, seasonings, and the rest of the broth). Stir briefly, secure the lid, and close the valve.
4. Set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 5 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick release.
5. Note: If you’re using grated cheese instead of Velveeta, stir it in after the high-pressure cooking cycle, allowing the residual heat to melt it into a creamy sauce.

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious Homemade Hamburger Helper for longer:

Serve: This dish is truly at its best when enjoyed fresh, right after cooking, when the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is wonderfully creamy. The flavors of ketchup and mustard are most vibrant immediately after preparation.

Store: If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid.

Freeze: You can absolutely freeze Homemade Hamburger Helper for future quick meals. First, ensure the prepared dish is completely cooled. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label with the date for best results.

To Re-heat: For best results, thaw frozen Hamburger Helper in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency, or microwave it in portions until heated through.

For the Homemade Hamburger Helper:

Simple Steps to Your Homemade Hamburger Helper:

• 

  In a large 12-inch skillet with a lid, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
• 

  To the skillet with the browned beef, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, Velveeta cheese (or grated cheddar), ketchup, yellow mustard, salt, ground black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
• 

  Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking.
• Remove from heat, stir one last time to ensure everything is well combined and creamy. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade comfort food!

• Cheese Substitution: If you choose to use grated cheese (like cheddar or a Colby blend) instead of Velveeta, make sure to stir it in after the pasta has fully cooked. The residual heat will melt it beautifully into the creamy sauce.
• Draining Ground Beef: If you’re using ground beef with a higher fat content (e.g., 70/30), it’s essential to drain off any excess grease after browning to prevent the dish from becoming oily.
• Chicken Broth Alternative: No chicken broth on hand? No problem! You can easily create a substitute by stirring together 4 cups of hot water with 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder or a bouillon cube until dissolved.

Nutrition per serving (Estimated)