Description
This Cheesy Hamburger Skillet is a quick and comforting homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper. Ground beef is browned and simmered with savory brown gravy mix, creamy cheddar cheese soup, and tender macaroni, then topped with melted shredded cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying one-skillet meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 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 and Sauces
- 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 and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the chopped onions until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the skillet and return the skillet with the beef to the heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the beef mixture and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic becomes fragrant and soft. If using garlic powder instead of fresh, add it later along with the onion powder.
- Add Sauces and Broth: Stir in the brown gravy mix, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and 3 cups of water (or beef broth). Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. If using onion and garlic powders rather than fresh, add them now.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni to the skillet and stir well to mix. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm (al dente) or to your preferred doneness.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until it melts uniformly into the dish. Serve the cheesy hamburger skillet hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To enhance flavor, use beef broth instead of water.
- Adjust pasta cooking time according to your texture preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Fresh garlic and onions add more depth than powder, but powders are convenient substitutes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
