The Best homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper recipe
I’ve been making homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and pasta is a winner, and the best part is that it’s so easy to make.
I love that it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for me. The kids love helping me cook the pasta and adding their favorite toppings, like diced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.
As for me, I appreciate the convenience of this recipe – it’s perfect for busy weeknights when I don’t have a lot of time to cook. And let’s not forget the health benefits – by using lean ground beef and whole wheat pasta, I can feel good about what we’re putting in our bodies.
Plus, this recipe is a great way to get my kids to eat more vegetables – they love sneaking them into the cheese sauce! The original Hamburger Helper recipe is from the 1970s, but I’ve made it my own by adding some extra ingredients to give it a bit more flavor.
My family loves it when I serve it with a side salad or some steamed broccoli – it makes the meal feel more substantial. And as an added bonus, this recipe is budget-friendly – I can make a big batch of it for under $10.
So if you’re looking for a tasty and easy meal that your whole family will love, give homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper a try!
Homemade Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
4.8 from 767 votes
A creamy, cheesy one-pot pasta dish made from scratch with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich cheddar sauce. This homemade version is quick, comforting, and free from processed ingredients.
1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 7 to 9 minutes.
3Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
8Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
9Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
10Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
11Slowly pour in the milk and beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
12Add the tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
13Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes.
14Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
15Return the cooked ground beef and drained macaroni to the skillet.
16Stir everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
17Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over low heat until heated through. Serve immediately.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. To add vegetables, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or diced bell peppers with the onion. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Watch Video Of How Homemade Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper Works
I love that homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper is so versatile – we can serve it as a main course or as a fun side dish at family gatherings.
And because it’s so easy to make ahead of time, I often prep the pasta and cheese sauce on Sunday night so that we can have a quick dinner on Monday evening.
When reheating leftovers, I like to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the cheese sauce and give it an extra boost of flavor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
Q: What is the difference between homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper and store-bought Hamburger Helper?
A: While both versions are delicious, homemade cheeseburger hamburger helper has fewer preservatives and artificial ingredients than the store-bought version. Plus, you can customize it to your family’s tastes by adding your favorite toppings or using different types of pasta.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – ground turkey cooks faster than beef.
Q: How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add an extra can of kidney beans or black beans to increase the protein content.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe in advance – simply prepare the pasta and cheese sauce up to a day in advance, then assemble the final dish just before serving.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pasta – just be sure to check the ingredients list on your specific brand of pasta.
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