Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal, Cheesy Hamburger Skillet combines ground beef, macaroni, and rich cheesy gravy for a homemade version of classic Hamburger Helper. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is cooked entirely in a skillet, delivering a creamy, flavorful dish in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and 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 & Mixes
- 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
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions until the beef is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease, then return the skillet with the beef to the heat.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the beef in the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Add Gravy Mix and Cheese Soup: 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 to use onion and garlic powders instead of fresh, add them at this stage.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni to the skillet and stir well to mix with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still firm to your liking.
- Melt in the Cheese and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded mild cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Serve the cheesy hamburger skillet hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth for water to enhance the depth of flavor in the skillet.
- Adjust the seasonings like onion and garlic powder depending on your preference for freshness or convenience.
- To reduce fat, use lean ground beef and drain grease thoroughly after browning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a twist, add veggies such as peas or bell peppers during the simmering stage.
