Description
This classic Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender pasta coated in a savory ground beef and cheese sauce, topped with fresh parsley for added flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it combines simple ingredients with rich, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh, chopped
Spices and Seasonings
- 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
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 ounces macaroni or any pasta such as shells, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium) or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns translucent.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Season and thicken: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef mixture, then add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to combine and evenly coat everything.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the uncooked macaroni, then pour in the chicken or beef broth and milk. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Cook the pasta: Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Top with the remaining cheese, then cover and cook over low heat for 1 minute to melt it all.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- This dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheese and skim milk.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like chopped pickles or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
