Homemade Cheeseburger Helper is the healthier, homemade version of boxed Hamburger Helper. Creamy, cheesy, and easy!
Once upon a time there was a boy and a girl who moved to Minneapolis after college to whoop it up for a few years before settling down into adulthood, or whatever it is they call being a middle-twenties-something.
The boy and the girl were dating, but lived in separate apartments. The girl liked to have the boy over for dinner as often as she could because she liked the boy a lot, but also because she knew what the boy would eat every night if left to his own devices.
See, while the girl liked to cook meals full of fresh veggies and protein (for the most part,) the boy had a weakness for boxed dinners that called for a pound of hamburger to “help” them along.
The meals were quick, cheap, and painless to prepare, but loaded with salt and weird ingredients.
“Disodium guanylate?” The girl once asked the boy, after looking at the ingredient list.
“I think that just means ‘extra delicious’.” The boy replied.
The boy and the girl ended up getting married and moving back to Iowa a few years later, and while they’ve been eating well ever since, he occasionally likes to think of the boxed dinners from his bachelor days and drool a little.
More in love with the boy than ever, the girl offered to whip up a homemade version of his favorite “flavor”, Cheeseburger Macaroni.
And the boy LOVED IT. And guess what? The girl did too!
Ok. The jig is up. The boy is my husband Ben, and the girl is me. ;) The entire story is true, including the part where my husband inhales his bowl of Cheeseburger Macaroni anytime I make it.
Not only is this meal inexpensive, but it’s made in one pot with fridge and pantry staples.
SUCH a winning recipe — you’ve got to give it a try!
Start by browning 1lb ground beef then drain and return it to the skillet.
Next, sprinkle in a rainbow of seasonings and thickeners, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
Add water and skim milk then stir to combine.
Lastly add any short cut pasta. I usually use elbow macaroni. The pasta you see here is mini penne. They both work great!
Stir everything together, place a lid on top of the pot, then simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finally, stir in sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. That’s it!
This meal is the ultimate in comfort food, shockingly easy to prepare, and so darn good. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk, any kind
- 1-1/2 cups dry elbow macaroni, or other small pasta
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat then drain and return to the skillet. Add cornstarch, seasonings, hot water, milk, and pasta then stir to combine and bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium then place a lid on top and simmer until the pasta is al dente, stirring a few times.
- Turn off the heat then add the cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy. Let the dish stand for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened then serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
My boy-friend would LOVE this! I need to make it in a vegetarian style :)
I think I need to try kale chips!! I have never heard of making this!
Oh, how I love kale chips. I just put them in a glass bowl and drizzle the olive oil over them and take my hand to toss them. I am always amazed at how easy and delicious they are!
Looks like some good minneapolis comfort food! Yumners
Not only does that sound perfectly yummy and super easy to prepare…I think I’m going to measure out the dry ingredients and keep them together in my pantry. I only turn to those box meals when I’m in a super big hurry and don’t want to measure a thing! I’ve been meaning to look up homemade versions for quite awhile now. Thanks for saving me some time!
Love this. Y’all are too cute. Have a good night!
Can’t wait to try this!
I’m the one who cooks for my wife, and have for 33 years – but she does clean up. Usually. Anyway – no Office tonight. Double episodes of 30 Rock, which we don’t watch. The tv is off for the evening –
LoL at Ben’s comment. This whole month I am in the position of having to taste my boss’s inventions or purchases for his raw food cleanse. Monday was orange creamsicle-flavored kale chips. You could definitely taste the orange flavor and they were sweet and crispy, but all in all, I WILL NOT BE EATING AGAIN!!!!
Eek – sweet kale chips?! I don’t think I could eat those either!
OMG, I just found pre-washed and cut kale as well! So simple!!!
Ooo…I used to love the Hy-Vee brand version – Panburger Partner! :-)
Love this! I actually do kind of like the boxed meals you speak of, but haven’t had them since I was a kid because I’m scared of the ingredient list. I can’t wait to try this!
Btw, I picked up the ingredients for your blueberry muffin top cookies this afternoon and can’t wait to make them tomorrow!!
Cannot wait to try this recipe!!!! Cheeseburger macaroni was my favorite meal as a kid, yes, from the box :) oh so good..but I know not so good for you. This is the perfect alternative.
And I was totally looking forward to a new Office tonight too, since last week was hilarious…but it’s not on :( boo!