If you’re longing for that home-cooked comfort with a nostalgic twist, this Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. Infused with the flavorful trifecta of cheddar cheese, wholesome macaroni, and robust ground beef, this meal brings all the love of a classic home-style cheeseburger into a quick, single-pot wonder.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything combines in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Speedy Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With cheesy pasta and savory beef, it’s a dish the whole family will adore.
- Customizable: Easily tailored to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, transforming into a hearty, delicious meal with minimal effort. Let’s break down what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life!
- Olive Oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps to sauté the onions beautifully.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base flavor to the dish.
- Ground Beef: The star protein, giving that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a hint of herby freshness reminiscent of a classic burger.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the entire dish.
- Chili Powder: Brings in a subtle depth of heat and flavor.
- Macaroni: The perfect pasta to hold the cheesy, savory sauce.
- Chicken Broth and Milk: Together, they create a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: No cheeseburger taste is complete without generous amounts of this classic cheese.
- Parsley: A fresh finish, adding a pop of color and a hint of earthiness.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a dish your own. This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak it according to what you have in your pantry or your personal preferences.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for extra heat and depth.
- Loaded Helper: Toss in some bell peppers or tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni or pasta.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Sauté and Brown
Heat up your olive oil in a trusty Dutch oven or bright skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in those chopped onions, letting them sizzle and soften for about 5 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. Add the ground beef next; let it brown nicely for 3 minutes so it loses all its pinkness.
Step 2: Mix in Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the browned mixture, followed by oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Let these flavors mingle and dance. Stir in your choice of macaroni, the vibrant broth, and the creamy milk. Keep everything moving with a gentle stir.
Step 3: Cook and Melt Cheese
Let the pot bubble away for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has beautifully reduced. Taste to season, then stir in half the cheddar cheese. Cover and let it cook for just another minute to let the cheese weave its magic.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- Perfect Pasta: Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente by checking it a minute or two before the time is up.
- Cheese Chunks: For extra cheesiness, use block cheddar and shred it yourself. It melts more smoothly!
- Herb Freshness: Always use fresh parsley right before serving to maintain a vibrant flavor and color.
- Rest the Dish: Let the cooked meal sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor melding.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Garnishes
Garnish this dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions to provide a burst of freshness and a bit of crunch. For extra heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños on top.
Side Dishes
This delicious Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper pairs wonderfully with a light and crisp green salad or some sautéed green beans to offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in fun, colorful bowls or in small skillets to give an inviting, rustic appeal. Add a playful touch by serving with mini slider buns for a creative nod to traditional cheeseburgers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ensure your leftovers are cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. They will last happily in your fridge for about 3 to 4 days, making it an easy option for weekday lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and you’ll have meal prep sorted for up to 3 to 4 months. Just remember to label it with the date!
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave for convenience.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a meatless version.
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How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom. Using a non-stick pot can also help.
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Is there a way to make it spicier?
Yes! Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to taste. You can also add some red pepper flakes for added heat.
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Can I prepare this in advance?
You can certainly brown the meat and sauté the onions ahead of time. Combine them with the rest of the ingredients and cook when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll try this Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper and savor its comforting simplicity. It’s a dish that brings warmth to the kitchen and smiles to the faces of everyone at the table. Enjoy the flavor adventure, and let’s make dinner times even more delicious together!
Print
Chicken Club Pasta Salad 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 the comfort of classic cheeseburgers with quick, stove-top cooking. Loaded with ground beef, macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese, it offers a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The dish is seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a savory taste that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
- 12 ounce macaroni uncooked, or any other pasta such as shells
Seasonings and Thickening
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Liquids and Cheese
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium or beef broth
- 2 cup milk
- 12 ounce cheddar cheese shredded
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onion: Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and turns translucent.
- Add ground beef: Add the ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
- Mix in seasonings: Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the beef, then add oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in macaroni, then pour in chicken broth and milk. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the pasta: Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add cheese and melt: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then top with remaining cheese. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 1 minute until cheese melts.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers: Let the dish come to room temperature before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Nutrition adjustments: You can substitute with low-fat or alternative cheeses for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 746 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 695 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
