Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a quick and easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, a blend of savory spices, cavatappi or macaroni noodles, and melted cheddar cheese, it offers a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups hot water (or beef broth or chicken broth)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
Cheese
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a meat chopper, wooden spatula, or spoon. Cook and stir until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any remaining fat from the pan to reduce greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper evenly over the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices. Then add the hot water, milk, and dry pasta to the skillet.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly been absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the cooked pasta and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let it stand for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting homemade meal.
Notes
- You can substitute hot water with beef or chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess grease.
- Cavatappi or elbow macaroni are both great pasta options for this recipe.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish stand a bit longer off the heat before serving.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor but is optional.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
