Description
This cheeseburger hamburger helper is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that combines ground beef, macaroni, and flavorful seasonings for a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a satisfying blend of savory flavors and creamy cheese with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
Seasonings and Thickening
- 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 and Liquids
- 12 ounce macaroni uncooked, or any other pasta such as shells
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium or beef broth
- 2 cup milk
Cheese and Garnish
- 12 ounce cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley fresh, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing it for sautéing.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, developing flavor and texture.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the onions, cook for approximately 3 minutes, breaking it apart, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Add seasonings and thickener: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef mixture, then add the oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder, stirring well to combine all seasoning flavors evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Incorporate the uncooked macaroni, pour in the chicken or beef broth and milk, and stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Cover with a lid and cook over low heat for 1 minute until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot for a cheesy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Leftovers: Allow leftovers to come to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, and reheat thoroughly.
- Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 to 4 months for future meals. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Season Adjustments: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed after cooking for best flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute or add different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for varied flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish (about 300g)
- Calories: 746 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 695 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
