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
Units
Scale
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
