Cheeseburger Macaroni (aka Homemade “Hamburger Helper”)
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
801 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheeseburger Macaroni (aka Homemade “Hamburger Helper”)
Description
This recipe for Cheeseburger Macaroni, sometimes called Homemade “Hamburger Helper,” starts with browning seasoned ground beef. Pasta is added along with milk, hot water, and a blend of spices including chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, seasoned salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Cornstarch is mixed with the spices to thicken the liquid as the mixture simmers.
The pasta cooks in the beef-infused liquid until tender but slightly firm, typically around eight to ten minutes with the heat reduced. Once the pasta reaches the desired doneness, shredded cheddar cheese and optional processed cheese (such as Velveeta) are stirred in to create a creamy cheese sauce that coats the pasta and beef evenly.
This dish is a comforting, all-in-one meal best served warm. It can be enhanced with additional diced onions and garlic added before browning the meat, or by substituting water with beef broth for deeper flavor. Garnishes like fresh parsley or green onions add freshness when served.
Leftover cheeseburger macaroni keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container and reheats quickly in a skillet or microwave, with a splash of water added if needed to loosen the sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups water hot
- 2 cups macaroni or any pasta shape you have lying about
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoon chili powder prepared
- 1 ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper cracked
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon parsley dried
- 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
OPTIONAL
- 1 cup processed cheese such as velveeta
Instructions
Get prepped
- Combine cornstarch and all seasonings in a small bowl, and set aside.
Brown the meat
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown beef until cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any fat.
Add the pasta, liquids and seasonings
- Add the pasta, milk, water, cornstarch and spices and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil
- Bring to a boil and turn the heat down to medium heat.
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked to your liking (we like it al dente)
Add the cheese
- Add the shredded chese and processed cheese and mix thoroughly.
- Devour.
Notes
- Add diced onions and garlic before browning meat for extra flavor.
- Use beef broth instead of water to deepen the dish's savory taste.
- Ground turkey can replace beef, but adjust seasoning slightly to add salt for flavor.
- Try substituting some liquid with tomato sauce and Italian seasonings for a pasta variation.
- Use small or short pasta shapes; avoid long pasta like spaghetti for this recipe.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and add hot sauce if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat with added water to soften if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 801 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 801kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 46g | 92% |
| Fat | 45g | 69% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol | 150mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 1601mg | 67% |
| Potassium | 758mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1402IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 715mg | 72% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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