Cheesy Hamburger Helper
This homemade Cheesy Hamburger Helper features ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Made with beef broth, chicken broth, half-and-half, and a blend of classic seasonings, it’s the ultimate comfort food ready in 30 minutes.
5 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ beef bouillon cube optional
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- ½ pound macaroni approximately 2 cups
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Before starting, combine the beef broth, chicken broth, half-and-half, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings in a large measuring cup. Stir to blend. This will be your sauce base. Grate the cheddar cheese and measure the pasta to streamline the cooking process.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it into smaller pieces, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate, setting it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
- Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden color, ensuring the flour is fully cooked.
- Gradually pour in the prepared sauce mixture in small increments, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If using, crumble the beef bouillon cube into the sauce for added richness. Continue stirring as the sauce begins to thicken.
Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to retain the starches that help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Melt the Cheddar Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring gently with each addition. Continue mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the drained macaroni and stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce appears slightly thin, allow the mixture to rest for a few minutes, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve
- Serve immediately while warm. For an extra cheesy finish, consider sprinkling additional shredded cheddar on top just before serving.
Notes
To make this Cheesy Hamburger Helper gluten-free:
- Pasta: Substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta such as brown rice pasta, chickpea pasta, or quinoa pasta.
- Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. If using cornstarch, reduce the amount to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Bouillon: Ensure the beef bouillon cube is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat derivatives.