Description
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish packed with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful blend of seasonings. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that brings the classic cheeseburger flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 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)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings and Thicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef, then add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to combine and coat the beef evenly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked macaroni, then pour in the chicken broth and milk. Mix everything together well.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Final Touches: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with the remaining cheese, cover, and cook over low heat for about 1 minute until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, microwave or warm on the stovetop until heated through.
- Leftover mixture can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3-4 months; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute different pasta shapes such as shells or penne according to preference.
- Adjust seasoning to taste for salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
