If you’re in search of a meal that embodies comfort, simplicity, and pure deliciousness, look no further than Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. It’s a flavorful medley of ground beef, creamy cheese, and pasta that comes together in a delightful one-pan dish. Perfect for those busy nights when you crave a homemade meal without the hassle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: This entire meal is made in just one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
- Flavor Explosion: Packed with spices like oregano, garlic powder, and chili powder for that extra kick.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary needs.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy cheese and hearty pasta make it a perfect comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is all about simplicity and efficiency. The ingredients are likely ones you already have at home, each playing a vital role in creating this creamy and savory delight.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps cook the onions to perfection.
- Onion: Provides an aromatic base that enhances the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Ground beef: The star of the show, giving the dish its hearty, meaty quality.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to create that perfect creamy sauce.
- Dried oregano & garlic powder: These spices are the secret to an irresistible savory taste.
- Macaroni: Absorbs all the flavors while maintaining a toothsome bite. Feel free to use shells if you prefer!
- Chicken broth & milk: Ensures the pasta cooks to a tender finish and adds an extra layer of creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese: Provides an oozy, melty finish that takes the dish to the next level.
- Fresh parsley: A vibrant green garnish that adds a fresh floral note to your meal.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative and make it your own with a few simple swaps or additions!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based crumble for a meatless twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you love a fiery meal.
- Different Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor profile.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it’s soft and translucent. This forms the savory base of your dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef and cook it for around 3 minutes or until it’s no longer pink. Breaking it up with a spoon as you go ensures even cooking and terrific texture.
Step 3: Spice it Up
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef, followed by the oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir everything until the beef is well-coated with the flavorful seasoning.
Step 4: Combine It All
Add the macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir until well combined and let it all come to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the macaroni is tender.
Step 5: Get Cheesy
Stir in half of the cheddar cheese until it’s all melted and incorporated with the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover with a lid, letting it melt for about a minute.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- Perfect Pasta: For al dente texture, check your pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest.
- Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt quality; pre-shredded is often coated to prevent clumping.
- Batch Cooking: This dish doubles beautifully if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers.
- Season to Taste: Taste test before serving and adjust spices to your liking for the perfect flavor balance.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Garnishes
Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and hint of freshness. You could also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes that complement the creamy richness of your Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in individual ramekins with a side of crusty bread, or get creative and layer it in a crock, allowing the cheese to bubble under the broiler for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftovers to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days, making it an easy meal saver for the week.
Freezing
Place your Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to four months. When freezing, let it cool completely to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is classic, feel free to use whatever short pasta you have on hand, like shells, penne, or rotini.
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Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Simply substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your cornstarch is gluten-free. Double-check all labels to be safe.
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella or swiss can provide a deliciously different flavor.
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What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Rediscover the joy of a hearty home-cooked meal with Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. It’s a dish that comforts the soul and delights taste buds, all ready to go in a snap. Trust me; your family will thank you for it!
Print
Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese into a hearty, comforting dish that mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a quick and easy one-pot recipe.
Ingredients
Basic 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 uncooked macaroni or pasta like shells
Liquid and Dairy
- 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 the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent.
- Add the ground beef: Stir in the ground beef and cook for approximately 3 minutes, breaking it apart and cooking until no longer pink.
- Incorporate seasonings and cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef mixture, then add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to coat.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked macaroni, then add the chicken or beef broth and milk. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook until pasta is tender: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with remaining cheese, then cover and let sit on low heat for 1 minute to melt fully.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot for a satisfying cheeseburger flavor.
Notes
- Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated within 3 to 4 days.
- The dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- You can substitute different pasta shapes, such as shells or rotini, for variety.
- Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more chili powder or salt as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
