Veal Cheeseburger Macaroni

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4.84 from 6 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

This Veal Cheeseburger Macaroni is a one-pot dinner, made with creamy cheese, seasonings and spices, and ground veal. This 25-minute recipe makes a lovely meal without much time or effort.

A red pot filled with  veal cheeseburger macaroni and cheese topped with chopped herbs, with a wooden spoon resting inside.

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Why this Veal Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe is a Keeper

If you remember eating Hamburger Helper macaroni, this easy homemade recipe is awesome for you. This recipe is made with veal, giving it an upgrade from boxed Hamburger Helper. The pasta is tender, and the cheese on top gives it a creamy texture. It’s so easy, and the taste is delicious. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe for an easy weeknight meal:

  • 30 Minute Meal: This is one of our favorite ground veal recipes, as it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
  • Delicious Flavor: Elevate your favorite mac and cheese with this homemade cheeseburger macaroni recipe.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: This hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni is sure to impress your dinner guests.

What is the Difference Between Veal and Beef?

A close-up of creamy cheeseburger macaroni sprinkled with fresh herbs, with a wooden spoon partially visible on the left side of the dish.

Veal and beef are both red meat that comes from cows. However, veal is the meat of young cows, while beef comes from adult cows. Veal is leaner and has a more delicate texture than beef, which will make this homemade Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni better than the boxed version.

Ingredients Needed for Super Easy Veal Macaroni

A bowl of raw ground meat sits beside a jar of uncooked pasta on a wooden surface, ready to be transformed into dinner.

Here are some ingredients that I always use to make this cheeseburger macaroni recipe. It’s made in one skillet, and the veal makes it even better than Hamburger Helper.

  • Ground Veal: Make homemade hamburger helper with veal, which is more tender than ground beef.
  • Pasta: Use a box of your favorite pasta, like elbow macaroni. You can also use cavatappi instead of elbow macaroni if you’d prefer.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements, along with the easy to follow recipe and directions.

Prep Ahead Suggestions for Easy Cheeseburger Macaroni

  • Make in Advance: Make this recipe ahead of time, and store in the fridge for up to three days.

Pro Tip for this Copycat Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe

Try adding in different seasonings, such as our taco seasoning recipe.

How to Make Cheeseburger Macaroni with Veal

These are the basic steps for making easy and delicious one pot cheeseburger macaroni. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Whip up a cheeseburger macaroni delight in four simple steps: 1) Brown raw ground meat in a pan. 2) Mix in chopped garlic. 3) Sprinkle flour for thickening. 4) Add chili powder for a spicy kick that'll transform your dish into something extraordinary.

1. Cook the Veal

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Then, add the ground beef or veal, all purpose seasoning, and minced onion. Brown the veal and crumble.

2. Add Pasta

Once veal is browned, add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar; stir to combine. Then, add the macaroni, beef broth, milk, and cream. Add the lid onto the pan and bring to a boil. Let simmer.

Four-panel image demonstrating steps of cooking a ground sausage and gravy dish: adding broth, seasoning with pepper, stirring, and pouring in heavy whipping cream—a perfect base for cheeseburger macaroni.

3. Add Cheese

Simmer covered for 9 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked through. Once the macaroni is done, remove from heat, add cheese, and stir to combine until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Three-step cooking process:  
1. Raw pasta added to ground meat in a skillet.  
2. Pasta and meat simmering in broth, resembling the comforting flavors of cheeseburger macaroni.  
3. Melted cheese covering cooked pasta and meat mixture for a delicious finish.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Veal Casserole

  • Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Using Leftovers: Eat leftover veal macaroni up to three days after storing.

Variations and Substitutions for Quick and Easy Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

  • Ground Beef: You can also use ground turkey or lean ground beef instead of veal. Brown the ground beef in the pan, then add the rest of the ingredients.
  • Spices: Use your favorite spices, such as chili powder, oregano, cumin, etc.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This recipe calls for Colby Jack cheese, but you can use different kinds of cheese, like shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack.

Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheese FAQs

What Can I Serve with Cheeseburger Macaroni?

If you’re looking for more easy recipes to serve with this one pan version of hamburger helper, Jack Daniels whiskey burgers, crock pot potato soup, or grilled crispy chicken wings.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Casserole?

Yes; try adding in broccoli or green onions.

Why is My Sauce Separating?

Uncooked pasta may cause your cheese sauce to separate. Make sure to cook your pasta to al dente before adding the cheese.

A red pan brimming with creamy cheeseburger macaroni, the dish is garnished with chopped herbs and accompanied by a wooden spoon resting inside.

Expert Tips for Making Homemade Veal Macaroni

  • Use whole wheat pasta: This recipe works great with whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta.  You can also use gluten free pasta, too.  
  • This recipe can be doubled and halved: This is a great recipe to increase for a crowd or split in a half for a smaller family. Simply increase or decrease the ingredients proportionately.
  • Seasoning: This skillet recipe is excellent with homemade hamburger seasoning, which will give a classic hamburger helper taste to this delicious cheeseburger macaroni.
A red pot filled with veal cheeseburger macaroni and cheese topped with chopped herbs, with a wooden spoon resting inside.

Veal Cheeseburger Macaroni

4.84 from 6 votes
This Cheeseburger Macaroni is a one-pot dinner, made with creamy cheese, seasonings and spices, and ground veal. This 25-minute recipe makes a lovely meal without much time or effort.
Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 15 minutes
Total Time : 25 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Main Dish

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Ground Veal
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning
  • ½ cup Onion, minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1.5 teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 2 cups Beef Broth, zero sodium
  • ¾ cup Milk
  • ¾ cup Heavy Cream
  • 8 oz Uncooked Cavatappi Pasta, or your favorite shape
  • 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil over medium high heat in a large skillet with high sides.
  • Add veal, House Seasoning Blend and minced onion; brown veal and crumble.
  • Once veal is browned, add cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and sugar; stir to combine.
  • Add beef broth, milk, cream and pasta; stir to combine.
  • Brink to a simmer and place lid on pan.
  • Simmer covered for 9 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
  • Remove from heat, add cheese and stir to combine.
  • Serve immediately.

Christina’s Notes

  • Use whole wheat pasta: This recipe works great with whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta.  You can also use gluten free pasta, too.  
  • This recipe can be doubled and halved: This is a great recipe to increase for a crowd or split in a half for a smaller family. Simply increase or decrease the ingredients proportionately.
  • Seasoning: This skillet recipe is excellent with homemade hamburger seasoning, which will give a classic hamburger helper taste to this delicious cheeseburger macaroni.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.

  • Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
  • Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
  • Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
  • Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.

Nutrition

Calories: 603kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 34gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 1085mgPotassium: 619mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 864IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 303mgIron: 2mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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