I admit that back in my bachelor gotta-make-something-for-dinner-but-I-can’t-cook days I went through my share of boxes of Hamburger Helper. Easy to make and hearty, any flavor would do. That’s why I just had to make this copycat recipe of the classic cheeseburger Hamburger Helper mix. Just as easy as the stuff out of the box and darn tasty too! Now I can make this copycat without being a bachelor!
It Doesn’t Have To Be Kid-Friendly
You can easily modify this copycat recipe for Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper and make your own. Add jalapenos or a dash or two of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Swap Monterey Jack cheese for the cheddar. Use ground turkey instead of ground beef and add a pinch or two of dried sage. Your copycat cheeseburger Hamburger Helper doesn’t have to be exactly like the stuff out of the box, but it’s ok if it is!
Shredded
This recipe calls for shredded cheese. Now in my younger days, that meant grab a bag of the pre-shredded stuff at the store. I never really wondered (or probably cared) why it didn’t always melt right. I just knew that it was easy and tasted pretty good. Well now I know that that stuff has … stuff… in it that keeps it from sticking together. That’s why it doesn’t always melt well. So I shred my own. It takes just minutes. And I’ve found it tastes better and melts oh so ooey-gooey well!
- Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged…
- Premium Material : All parts of the rotary cheese…
What’s Up, Mac?
I know it seems almost wrong, but you can also make this dish using something other than elbow pasta. I know. I’m with you. Seems borderline sacrilegious doesn’t it? But here’s the thing, there are pastas out there that are made for sauce and stuff to stick to them. Yeah. Elbow mac isn’t the best at that. My suggestion if you’re feeling creative and adventurous? Cavatappi. Give it a whirl! You’ll love it!
Also try my copycat of the not-so-cheesy classic Hamburger helper.
This recipe is based on a recipe from KitchMe.
Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef into a large skillet over medium high heat and cook until done. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in the all but the cheese and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the cheese until melted.
- Remove from heat, uncover and let rest 5 minutes before serving topped with additional cheese.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.
