What’s more comforting that cheeseburger macaroni? The homemade kind.
Let’s make some Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, shall we?
Another great dish is my Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese with Goat Cheese and Fontina.
For ease of browsing, here are all of my pasta dishes.
A Nostalgic Treat
I didn’t grow up eating Hamburger Helper, and as a result, I have always had a soft spot for it. I loved the commercials: “Hamburger Helper helped her hamburger HELLLLLLP her make a great meal!”
If you’re in the mood for, say, Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni, go for it. The fun in making your own is that you can customize it.
Why Make This Recipe?
My Cheeseburger Macaroni is by no means diet food, but it’s a bit lighter than a traditional mac&cheese because I used half chicken broth for the liquid and didn’t completely load it down with cheese as in a traditional Mornay sauce.
The jalapenos bring a ton of extra flavor without making the dish too spicy. I think even kids would dig this.
I do hope you give it a try when you’re feeling retro and want some homemade comfort food!
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Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (I used grass-fed 85/15)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small sweet onion small dice (I used Vidalia)
- salt and pepper to taste (season throughout)
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (I used a fat-free organic brand)
- 1 ½ cups half and half (you could get away with whole milk, but why?)
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ cup diced pickled jalapenos (or more or less, depending on how hot you like things)
- 6 oz Havarti cheese grated (or other cheese that melts smoothly)
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 pound macaroni cooked to just shy of al dente
- ⅓ cup of the pasta liquid
For Garnish (optional)
- 2-3 teaspoons diced pickled jalapenos per serving
- minced flat leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef with a bit of salt and pepper. Make sure to break it up well. Drain off any fat and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the flour and cook another 1-2 minutes, stirring with a wooden spatula (or similar).
- Add the broth and half and half. Turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil to thicken the sauce.
- Turn the heat down to a low simmer. Taste and add salt and pepper. Season a bit lightly because the cheese contains some salt as well.
- Stir in the mustard and the peppers.
- Simmer for a few minutes to tighten up the sauce.
- Turn the heat off–no boiling at this point–and stir in the grated cheeses a bit at a time until the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the reserved ground beef.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Stir the sauce into the pasta along with the cooking liquid. Turn the heat to medium high and, stirring constantly, let the sauce reduce again so it coats the pasta nicely, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Garnish as desired.
- Serve and enjoy.
Did You Make Any Changes?
Nutrition
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And there you have it, friends. A delicious, filling, retro meal that I’m pretty sure your whole family will enjoy. So, the next time you reach for that box of Hamburger Helper, and I don’t care how cute that white glove/hand character is, go ahead and make a homemade version of cheeseburger macaroni.
Thank you for spending some time here with me today. Have a lovely day.
Maggie says
I’m a tiny bit worried about you. First a noticeable decline in posts, and now homemade Hamburger Helper.
Is everything okay Chez Field?
Jennifer Field says
I was away last weekend. I’m still posting 2-4 times a week-ish, though! Sorry to worry you, but everything is fine. And for tbtfood, pretty much anything goes, Maggie! =)
Maggie says
So glad you’re okay, and hope the getaway was a recreational/refreshing one. I was afraid the decline in posts might signify an illness or a lack of motivation. 🙂 And as for the hamberger helper … well, chacun a son gout.
I made your French buttercream recipe this past week, and actually had a question about it, but I’ll got post it over there so it makes more sense.
Jennifer Field says
Thanks for checking in! All is well, and I actually won a contest at the conference I attended, so yay! No, not lack of motivation, just poor planning and lack of time! lol
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
This is quite an elevated hamburger helper. Two kinds of cheese and the pickled jalapenos—awesome. I am new to your blog and read the blog above. I hope all is well with you too. Sending a positive vibration, which you can use even if you are fine. Ha!
Jennifer Field says
Aw thanks, Carol! As it turns out, I am fine! I was just out of town last weekend, and that’s when I usually get my ducks in a row for the next week. I’ll take the vibes though, for sure. =) And welcome!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
My mom made Hamburger Helper for us once. Need I say more? Your version, I will very happily make!!!!
Jennifer Field says
No MSG in mine, Betsy–score! =)