If you’re yearning for a cozy, one-pot meal that’s ready in a flash, then this Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is exactly what you need. Imagine the timeless comfort of a cheeseburger transformed into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that everyone at the table will adore!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: With just one pot and minimal cleanup, you can savor more of your evening.
- Family Favorite: The delicious combination of beef, pasta, and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite spices and add-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, where each component plays a vital role in creating that savory, comforting flavor we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the magic of Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper right at home.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the onions to perfection, adding depth of flavor.
- Large Onion: Chopped fine, it softens and sweetens the mix, providing a base for the dish.
- Ground Beef: Extra lean and savory, it’s the heart of this meal.
- Cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent that ensures a luscious, creamy sauce.
- Oregano: Adds a hint of herbal earthiness, elevating the taste profile.
- Pasta: The vessel for all the delightful flavors—macaroni or your favorite shape!
- Chicken Broth: Infuses a rich depth to the pasta as it cooks.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey delight, bringing everything together.
- Parsley: A fresh pop of color and flavor to finish off the dish.
Variations
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is as versatile as it is delicious, allowing you to tweak and adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs. Let your creativity run wild!
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a spicier version.
- Veggie Packed: Mix in some bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra dose of vegetables.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Heat and Sauté
Begin by heating olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and let it sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Introduce the ground beef to the pan. Allow it to brown for about 3 minutes, breaking it down with a spatula until there is no pink left. The browned bits will add incredible flavor to your dish!
Step 3: Spice It Up
Scatter the cornstarch over the beef and onions, followed by oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Mix everything well to let the aromatic spices infuse with the beef mixture, creating depth and warmth.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquid
Now, it’s time to toss in the macaroni or your chosen pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring them together thoroughly. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Cheese and Serve
Remove from heat, stir in half the shredded cheddar cheese, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for a minute on low heat until the cheese melts into gooey goodness. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- Even Sauté: Make sure the onions are evenly chopped so they cook uniformly and release their sweet flavor seamlessly.
- Perfect Pasta: Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like shells or rotini, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Fresh Cheese Advantage: Grating your own cheddar ensures a smoother melt compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Seasoning Adjustment: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to suit your personal preference and ensure every element is seasoned perfectly.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Garnishes
Top your Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of diced green onions for a touch of freshness and color that brightens the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty meal with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to add a splash of color and balance out the rich flavors of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a beautiful cast-iron skillet right at the table, inviting everyone to dig in together, or use individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it great for quick lunches.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your dish for up to 3-4 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with other types like Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack for an added kick!
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What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Just ensure to cook it out well after adding to remove any raw flour taste.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
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How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Regularly stirring the pasta as it cooks and making sure there’s enough liquid will prevent sticking. If needed, add more broth in small quantities.
Final Thoughts
Transforming your kitchen into a haven of comfort food has never been easier with this Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo, it’s a recipe that invites warm moments and hearty flavors to your dining table. Don’t wait another day—give this delightful dish a try and let it become a staple in your home!
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
A hearty and cheesy cheeseburger-inspired pasta dish made with ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich cheddar cheese, all cooked in a savory broth for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
Seasonings & Thickener
- 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
Pasta & Liquids
- 12 ounces uncooked macaroni or other pasta shells
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
Cheese & Garnish
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil & Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings & Thicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the meat mixture, then add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to evenly coat everything.
- Add Pasta & Liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken or beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- Adjust Seasonings & Add Cheese: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and cook for a minute until melted.
- Finish & Serve: Top with the remaining cheese, cover with a lid, and cook on low for 1 minute to melt the cheese. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers heat up well; ensure the dish is at room temperature before refrigerating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- This dish freezes well; store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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