Hamburger Helper Style Cheeseburger Macaroni

Here we go again – my 7th installment of Hamburger Helper Style one-skillet dinners. There isn’t a whole lot more to say about Hamburger Helper. I am surprised, considering when Hamburger Helper first hit the market place, that it wasn’t marketed with a subtitle of “Mother’s Little Helper”. Then again, the Rolling Stones were singing about “Mother’s Little Helper” in reference to Valium – so maybe they wanted to avoid any confusion between the two. Just kidding – a little.

My guys like fancy foods, and have been soaking in all the yummy over the top things that have been coming from our cozy little kitchen lately. I love to cook. Nothing (besides being with my guys) gives me more pleasure. But the holidays are looming and I am in such need of a little non-creative down time. Yet I don’t want to take a giant step backward into that deep, dark hole of processed foods or drive-thru dining after a stressful day. It’s time for a little “helper” in the kitchen.

A big plus side of Hamburger Helper Style dinners from scratch, besides the obvious convenience is no artificial “stuff” as in preservatives. Everything cooks up in one skillet, making clean up a snap. Add a salad, and you’ve got dinner on the table in a snap that is both tasty and easy.

So break out your skillet, toss your salad and open a bottle of wine. It’s time to relax . . .

Hamburger Helper Style Cheeseburger Macaroni
Ingredients – Seasoning Package
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Salt
¼ Teaspoon Pepper
½ Teaspoon Paprika

In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the seasoning package. Set aside until ready to use.

Ingredients – Cheeseburger Macaroni
1 lb Lean Ground Beef (or Turkey)
1 Cup HOT water
2 Cups Milk
1 ½ Cups Elbow Macaroni
1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded

In a large skillet, brown the ground meat. Drain well.

Add water, milk and macaroni. Bring to a boil. Stir in seasoning package.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 12-15 minutes or until liquid has evaporated and noodles are tender.

Stir in 1 cup of Cheddar cheese, cover and simmer a few minutes more to allow cheese to melt.

Remove from heat, uncover, top with additional ½ cup Cheddar Cheese and allow to sit for 5 minutes for sauce to thicken. Give everything once last stir and serve.

A simple toss salad of leafy greens and tomatoes with your favorite dressing goes well for a complete meal.

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen