Description
This savory Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper combines ground beef, pasta, and melty cheddar cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that captures the classic cheeseburger flavor in a one-pot dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
Meat
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
Pantry Staples & Seasonings
- 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 any pasta of choice
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
Cheese & Garnish
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onions: Add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until browned and no pink remains, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add seasonings and thickener: Sprinkle cornstarch evenly over the beef and onions, then add dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Mix thoroughly so the ingredients are combined.
- Cook pasta: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove from heat and stir in half the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Top with remaining cheese, cover with lid, and cook over low heat for 1 minute until cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers reheat well; ensure the dish reaches room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings or add vegetables like diced bell peppers or tomatoes for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
