There are some foods that remind me of my childhood and just have comfort food factor. Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is one of them. As I got older, I learned how to make an easy homemade hamburger helper. This Cheeseburger Skillet Pasta gives you the tasty goodness you’ll remember and is ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes!
This recipe was originally posted May 2015. I recreated it and took new photos in July 2024.
Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
When you have had a long day and just want a dinner that you know your family will enjoy, pasta skillets are a great meal option!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Prep Work: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the prep time is minimal.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
- Nothing Fancy Needed: This recipe doesn’t require any complicated cooking methods or tools.
- Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or enjoying as leftovers the next day.
Kids and adults will both like this cheesy, beefy pasta dish. It will remind you of a classic cheeseburger, which means it’s packed with flavors that kids already love. Here’s how it wins over the younger crowd:
Ingredients
As I mentioned before, most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Elbow macaroni
- Lean ground beef
- Small onion
- Seasoning salt
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Salt and Pepper
Full measurements for ingredients can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment
You’ll also need a few things from your kitchen to prepare this recipe:
- Pot
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or Silicone spatula
- Cheese grater
- Colander
I call this a one pot meal, but really you do need a pot to boil the noodles and then a skillet to cook the recipe. So you will need that extra pot to prep your pasta.
Step-By-Step Instructions
This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a gentle boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
2. Finely chop the small yellow onion and grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese. I recommend freshly grated cheese because it melts better.
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- 3. While pasta cooks, brown ground beef and yellow onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain and return to skillet.
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- 4. Season with seasoning salt, salt, and pepper (to taste). Add ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer 1-2 minutes for flavors to develop. Reduce heat to low.
6. When pasta is cooked, drain well.
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- 7. Add the pasta to skillet, along with the shredded cheese and cream cheese.
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- 8. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted, stirring often.
9. Serve warm.
Storage & Leftovers
Making a big batch of cheeseburger pasta skillet can save you time on busy nights. Here’s how to store and reheat it.
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to three months of stored in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating Leftovers
You can reheat leftover Cheeseburger Macaroni in the microwave or on the stove top.
Microwave
Put the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop
For the best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop using a non-stick pan. This helps maintain the texture without it getting too mushy. Stir frequently over medium heat until the dish is hot. You can also add a splash of milk to add creaminess back to the pasta.
Variations & Substitutions
You can tweak the ingredients or add additional ingredients to make this dish your own. Here are some ideas to try:
- Ground Beef alternatives: If you prefer a leaner option for the meat in this recipe, ground turkey or chicken works too. You can also use plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
- Mix in Veggies: Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. You can also try different seasonings like garlic powder and parika.
- Cheesy Swaps: Don’t be afraid to try different types of cheese or flavored cream cheese in this recipe.
- Pasta Shapes: You can also use different pasta shapes in this recipe. Try penne, rotini, bow tie pasta or shells!
More Cheesy Pasta Recipes
This Cheeseburger Macaroni recipe is always a hit with the family, but if you’re looking for other versions of macaroni and cheese, try one of these:
Ingredients
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni cooked and drained
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a gentle boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente.
- Finely chop the small yellow onion and grate 2 cups of cheddar cheese. I recommend freshly grated cheese because it melts better.
- While pasta cooks, brown ground beef and yellow onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain and return to skillet.
- Season with seasoning salt, salt, and pepper (to taste). Add ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer 1-2 minutes for flavors to develop. Reduce heat to low.
- When pasta is cooked, drain well.
- Add the pasta to skillet, along with the shredded cheese and cream cheese.
- Continue cooking until the cheese is melted, stirring often.
- Serve warm.
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