Craving a comforting meal that’s quick, easy, and downright delicious? Look no further than Velveeta Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni! This classic American dish combines the hearty flavors of ground beef and creamy Velveeta cheese with tender elbow macaroni, creating a mouthwatering experience that will have your taste buds singing. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also guarantees to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. Dive into this culinary delight and discover how to whip up a satisfying meal in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups water
- 1 packet Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment: large skillet, measuring cups, wooden spoon, cutting board, and knife.
- Place large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break beef into small crumbles using wooden spoon while cooking.
- Cook ground beef until completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Drain excess fat from skillet, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Add water and elbow macaroni to the skillet with browned ground beef.
- Sprinkle entire contents of Hamburger Helper seasoning packet over beef and pasta mixture.
- Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and distribute seasoning evenly.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, add cubed Velveeta cheese.
- Stir cheese continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop your ingredients and measure out the water and macaroni before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on the cooking process without interruptions.
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining. This step is crucial for flavor and ensures that your dish is safe to eat.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allow the pasta to simmer covered for the full 10-12 minutes. This helps the macaroni absorb the flavors of the seasoning and ensures it cooks evenly.
- Cheese Melting Tip: For a creamier sauce, add the Velveeta cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously. This helps to achieve that smooth, velvety texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Garnish for Flavor: Consider garnishing your finished dish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and added freshness. It not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful crunch.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize your Cheeseburger Macaroni by adding your favorite vegetables, such as peas or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
