Cheesy Hamburger Helper
Cheesy Hamburger Helper is a creamy homemade skillet pasta made with ground beef, macaroni, cheddar cheese, broth, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
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Servings: 5
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 beef bouillon cube
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb macaroni approximately 2 cups
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a large measuring cup with a spout, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, mustard powder, dried parsley, and smoked paprika.
- Stir until fully combined, then set the sauce mixture aside.
- Measure all remaining ingredients before beginning the cooking process.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
- Lightly season the ground beef with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook for approximately 8 minutes, breaking the beef apart as it browns, until fully cooked.
- Remove the cooked beef from the skillet.
- Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter.
- Stir continuously until a smooth mixture forms.
- Cook for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to turn lightly toasted in color.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Gradually add the prepared sauce mixture to the skillet in small increments, stirring continuously after each addition.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the half beef bouillon cube to the sauce.
- Stir until the bouillon is fully dissolved.
- Increase the heat slightly and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered while preparing the macaroni.
- Add the macaroni to the boiling salted water.
- Cook according to package directions until just al dente.
- Drain the cooked macaroni well and set aside.
- Reduce the sauce heat to low.
- Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet.
- Stir until the beef is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the skillet.
- Stir thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Allow the mixture to rest briefly if needed, as the sauce will thicken as the macaroni absorbs it.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
To make Cheesy Hamburger Helper gluten free, replace the macaroni with certified gluten-free macaroni or another gluten-free short pasta.
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, or use a cornstarch slurry as the thickener.
Confirm that the beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, beef bouillon cube, cheddar cheese, half-and-half, and all seasonings are labeled gluten free.
Cook gluten-free pasta carefully according to package directions, as it can soften more quickly than traditional pasta.
Use clean cookware, utensils, measuring cups, and serving tools to prevent gluten cross-contact, especially when cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.