Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni (20 Minute Family Dinner Recipe)
Need a quick weeknight dinner? This easy cheeseburger macaroni is one of our family’s most loved recipes. It’s easy to make and the kids can help too! It’s creamy, cheesy, ready in 20 minutes, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive dinner that tastes like homemade Hamburger Helper, this recipe checks every box. It uses simple pantry ingredients, is perfect for busy weeknights, and even picky eaters love it.
This is one of my go-to meals whenever I’m short on time or just don’t feel like spending an hour in the kitchen. Everything comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when everyone is hungry.
It’s easy to make PLUS it costs less than $10 to feed the whole family (depending on current grocery prices), and easily serves 4 to 6 people.
Although…having boys in the house, it’s like feeding 6 people on a daily basis. Nobody told me boys could eat so much! At least I know they are healthy and their bellies are full!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s beginner-friendly. Kids can help brown the meat, stir the macaroni, and mix everything together, making it a fun meal to cook as a family.
If you need a quick, budget friendly comfort food recipe that everyone will ask you to make again, give this easy cheeseburger macaroni a try.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Budget-friendly family dinner
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Kid-approved comfort food
- Great for leftovers the next day
Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb hamburger
- 2 boxes Mac-n-cheese any brand
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 small to medium onion
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- garlic seasoning to taste
- no salt seasoning to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- Brown hamburger meat, onion, and seasonings together.
- Cook and prepare Mac-n-cheese as directed on the box.
- After the meat is done, add the can of tomatoes, a little more seasoning, and dump mac-n-cheese in a large electric skillet.
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef: I usually use 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor, but lean ground beef works just as well.
Boxed Mac and Cheese: Any brand works for this recipe, so use your family’s favorite.
Diced Tomatoes: Don’t drain them. The extra juice adds flavor to the finished dish.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the garlic, pepper, or add a little smoked paprika for even more cheeseburger flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Brown the beef well for the best flavor.
- Drain excess grease before adding the tomatoes.
- Mix everything together while the macaroni is still hot so the cheese stays creamy.
- If the mixture seems thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
Be sure to pin the recipe for later and print it below too!
Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni (20 Minute Family Dinner Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger
- 2 boxes Mac-n-cheese any brand
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 small to medium onion
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- garlic seasoning to taste
- no salt seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Brown hamburger meat, onion, and seasonings together.
- Cook and prepare Mac-n-cheese as directed on the box.
- After the meat is done, add can of tomatoes, a little more seasoning, and dump mac-n-cheese in a large electric skillet.
More Easy Dinner Ideas To Try
Mexican Chicken Mac Casserole
30 Minute Stuffed Peppers
Sounds yummy and easy!!!
Happy Thursday!
Happy Thursday to you Veronica! Enjoy!
Ive used this for years! (minus the tomatoes) I remember my mom making when I was growing up, Its always been one of my favorite recipes, not to mention how simple, quick and inexpensive it is!!!