Description
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef and a cheesy sauce for a comforting homemade dish that mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, made easily on the stovetop in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound ground beef (extra lean) - 2 cups milk - 12 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion (chopped) - 1 tablespoon parsley (fresh, chopped)Pantry Staples & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste) - 1 tablespoon chili powderPasta & Liquids
- 12 ounces uncooked macaroni or pasta of choice - 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 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 the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for about 3 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings and Thickener: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef mixture, then add the oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Stir everything together ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the 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. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let sit for 1 minute over low heat until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley, then serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Leftovers: Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. Reheat within 3-4 days for best taste.
- Freezing: Portion leftovers in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to add diced pickles or ketchup for an extra burger flavor twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
