It takes just 30 minutes to make.

Plus, how many times have you tried a food from your childhood only to be disappointed?

(Im looking at you, SpaghettiOs.)

homemade hamburger helper in a skillet on a table

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

My world was rocked when I figured out it takes about five extra minutes to makehomemadeHamburger Macaroni.

Now I dont have to wistfully remember the good old daysI can relive them, deliciously.

Add the beef and onion.

homemade hamburger helper in a skillet at a table setting with two glasses of soda and a side salad

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Spoon off and discard any fat.

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

ground beef cooked in a skillet for homemade hamburger helper recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Add 2 cups of the beef broth and bring it to a boil over high heat.

Once at a boil, stir in the milk and macaroni and reduce the heat to medium.

Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 10 to 12 minutes.

cooked beef after seasoning is mixed in for homemade hamburger helper recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Stir together the cornstarch and the remaining 1/4 cup beef broth in a small bowl until combined.

Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet.

Remove from heat and stir in the cheese, ensuring it is fully melted and incorporated.

beef broth added to ground beef mixture for homemade hamburger helper recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

Allow to sit and thicken about 5 minutes before serving.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Add a splash of water before reheating to help loosen up the sauce.

pasta added to hamburger helper beef sauce

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

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cornstarch and beef broth slurry for homemade hamburger helper recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

homemade hamburger helper in a skillet after slurry is added

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

hamburger helper in a skillet after cheese is added

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower

homemade hamburger helper on two plates at a table setting with two glasses of soda and a side salad

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Emily Nabors Hall / Prop Styling by Lindsey Lower