Description
A creamy, cheesy homemade cheeseburger-inspired Hamburger Helper that combines ground beef, pasta, and flavorful seasonings, cooked to perfection on the stovetop. This comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a casual weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Base
- 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) or any pasta such as shells
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
For the Topping and Garnish
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let it warm up.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and no longer pink.
- Add seasonings and cornstarch: 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 everything evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked pasta, then pour in the chicken (or beef) broth along with the milk. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cook until pasta is tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add cheese and melt: Remove from heat, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Cover with a lid and let sit for 1 minute on low heat to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving hot. Enjoy your homemade cheeseburger Hamburger Helper!
Notes
- Leftovers: Make sure the dish has cooled to room temperature before storing. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Customize: Feel free to add extra toppings like pickles or bacon for added flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: fifty-six grams
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
