Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Skillet is a homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper, combining ground beef, savory onion and garlic, rich cheddar cheese soup, and tender macaroni into a creamy, comforting one-pan meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped (or 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- 1 (.87 to 1.0-ounce) packet brown gravy mix
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
Pasta & Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the chopped onions until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain away any excess grease and return the skillet with the cooked meat to the heat source.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sauces and Seasonings: Stir in the brown gravy mix, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and water or beef broth. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. If you opted for onion and garlic powder instead of fresh, add them now.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni to the skillet and stir well to submerge the pasta in the liquid mixture. Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until the macaroni is al dente and tender to your preference.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the skillet. Serve the cheesy hamburger skillet hot immediately for best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute water with beef broth for richer flavor.
- If using onion and garlic powder instead of fresh, add them when adding the gravy and cheese soup.
- Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking.
- This recipe serves about 6 people.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
