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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you need a meal on the table fast.

  • Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with seasoned beef and tender pasta is ultimate comfort food.

  • One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

  • Customizable: You can add vegetables like peas or bell peppers, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

  • 3 cups beef broth (or water)

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for a tangy flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra cheeseburger flavor)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Brown the Beef:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.

  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Add Pasta, Broth, and Milk: Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Stir in the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  2. Serve: Once everything is well combined, serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers to the skillet for extra nutrition and color.

  • Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

  • Spicy Cheeseburger Mac: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a squirt of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

  • Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta. Be sure to check the package for specific instructions.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time by cooking the ground beef and storing the sauce separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and stir in the cooked pasta.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

How can I make the dish creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, add a little more milk or a dollop of sour cream when stirring in the cheese.

Conclusion

Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is a quick, delicious, and comforting dish that the whole family will love. With its rich, cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and savory ground beef, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little comfort food. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste, making it a versatile and easy go-to dinner!

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Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

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  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni is a classic comfort food dish made from seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta. This homemade version is even better than the boxed meal, with fresh ingredients and rich flavors. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)

  • 3 cups beef broth (or water)

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for a tangy flavor)

  • 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for extra cheeseburger flavor)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Brown the Beef:

    • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.

  • Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

    • Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Make the Sauce:

    • Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

  • Finish the Dish:

    • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Serve:

    • Once well combined, serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Vegetable Add-ins: Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.Cheese Variety: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for variation.Spicy Cheeseburger Mac: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for heat.Ground Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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