Description
This creamy Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper combines ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese into a comforting, quick meal that mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare in one skillet and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
Dry Goods & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 12 ounces macaroni (uncooked), or any pasta such as shells
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
Dairy & Herbs
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened.
- Add Beef: Incorporate the ground beef and cook for approximately 3 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
- Season & Thicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef mixture, then add the oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to combine and coat evenly.
- Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Stir everything together to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar, then top with the remaining cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for 1 minute, until the cheese melts.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers: Let the dish come to room temperature before storing. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For future meals, cool completely and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder for spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 746 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 695 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
