Embrace comfort with a nostalgic twist with our **Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper**! This homey dish is a delightful nod to classic flavors, featuring tender, cheesy pasta and savory beef, all ready in a flash.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Satisfying: This dish combines the robust flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta, all in just 30 minutes.
- One-Pot Wonder: You’ll love the convenience of minimal cleanup, since everything cooks together in a single pot.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will adore this dish, thanks to its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors.
- Customizable: Tailor this recipe to suit your preferences with various ingredients and variations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper requires simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients that bring each layer of flavor to life. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why each component is so vital to this comforting meal.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the onion from sticking and adds a subtle, luscious flavor.
- Onion: Chopped onion provides a base note of sweetness and depth.
- Ground Beef: Extra lean is ideal for a healthier version, delivering that classic cheeseburger taste.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, creating a silky sauce to bind everything together.
- Oregano and Garlic Powder: These seasonings give a hint of Italian flair, enhancing the overall taste.
- Macaroni: Choose your favorite pasta shape; it’s the canvas for all the deliciousness.
- Chicken Broth and Milk: These liquids simmer to cook the pasta, infusing it with rich, savory flavors.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient that melts into the pasta, offering a creamy finish.
- Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens and adds a touch of color.
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and lends itself to a range of adaptations. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or looking to change up the flavor profile a bit, here are some exciting variations to try.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or your favorite meat substitute for a delightful veggie take.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who like to turn up the heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic cheese flavor.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Introduce the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Let it cook for approximately 3 minutes or until there’s no pink left, blending beautifully with the onions.
Step 3: Incorporate the Seasonings
Sprinkle the cornstarch, along with oregano, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well, allowing the spices to coat the meat evenly.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Liquids
Pour in the macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stirring occasionally, cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then sprinkle the rest on top. Cover and cook on low heat until the cheese has melted into a gooey delight. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- Cheese Perfection: Use freshly shredded cheddar for a smoother melt and richer cheesiness.
- Pasta Choice: While macaroni is classic, spiral pasta like fusilli can capture even more sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: For a more robust kick, increase the chili powder gradually to suit your taste buds.
- Herbaceous Finish: For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle additional parsley just before serving.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Garnishes
Top off this comfort dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. For a bit of zest, try adding diced pickles or chopped scallions just before serving. These garnishes enhance both visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
Complement the creamy richness of the Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper with a light side salad or some steamed green beans. These sides balance the meal perfectly, keeping your palate refreshed.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative presentation, serve the helper in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil for a minute until golden. This miniature makeover adds an elegant touch and equally satisfies everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days to keep it fresh and delicious.
Freezing
This dish is perfect for freezing! Simply place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 to 4 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you’ll have a quick meal at your fingertips.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place your leftovers in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium-power in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative and works well, although it might slightly alter the flavor. Ensure you season sufficiently to compensate.
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What is the best pasta for this recipe?
Macaroni is traditional and delightful, but feel free to use shells, fusilli, or any short pasta that will hold the cheesy sauce well.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that the chicken broth and seasonings are also gluten-free.
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Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers or peas can enhance the nutritional value and texture of this comforting meal.
Final Thoughts
With its cheesy embrace and hearty goodness, our Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the warm nostalgia of these comforting, familiar flavors. Happy cooking!
Print
Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper is a comforting and cheesy one-pot meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and flavorful seasonings, all cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef, extra lean
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 12 ounces macaroni or other pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth, low sodium or beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a Dutch oven or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef: Incorporate the ground beef and cook for approximately 3 minutes until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Mix seasonings and cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the beef mixture, then add the dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Cook the mixture: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Adjust seasoning and add cheese: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Melt cheese and serve: Cover and cook on low for 1 minute until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Leftovers: Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
