Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Cheeseburger Macaroni


In the olden days, when my son was young, we liked Hamburger Helper's Cheeseburger Macaroni.  Still do, but the sodium content makes it one of those things I have to stay away from.  Not to mention, I'm not entirely sure what is in that box.  MSG and I don't get along very well and I know that is one ingredient that is listed on the box.


For years I've tried various recipes that tout they taste just like the stuff.  The last recipe I tried came pretty darn close.  But still a little off and way too salty for my taste.  So the girls and I have been experimenting and we came up with our version.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 3/4 cup beef broth
2 cups milk
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup grated cheddar - sharp, medium, or mild

Over medium heat brown ground beef and onion in a large deep skillet or pot, drain fat.  Stir in seasonings.  Add broth, milk and macaroni.  Combine well.  Turn down heat and allow to simmer 10 minutes stirring occasionally.  Test macaroni for doneness.  Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese across the top.  Stir in cheese, thoroughly.  Serves 4 to 6.


The girls gave this recipe their seal of approval and that is all I need.  It makes for a super quick meal to prepare too.  If you happen to love that box of Hamburger Helper, give this recipe a try and see what you think.



9 comments:

  1. I like it can all be done in one pan. Sometimes by the end of the day, I want a good supper but I don't want to deal with multiple pans.
    Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Me too! This is definitely a good go-to for just that situation. :)

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  2. I think I bought a couple of those years ago when my kids were very small. As I recall, we were not fans.
    pparsimony

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    Replies
    1. I believe it is their most popular flavor, but its not for everyone.

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  3. I do something very similar to this. The amount of money, not to mention the health consequences, of those boxes of hamburger helper are just outrageous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We like our version much better and it certainly costs a lot less. Makes more too. One box doesn't make a whole lot as I recall.

      Delete
  4. I've never really been a hamburger helper cook, a random box might enter the pantry, but most likely was a sale plus coupon deal. Servings were small, and I was concerned about the ingredients. I am pretty much a scratch cook for this reason. Fast forward, and due to kidney issues, MD has me on a reduced sodium diet, so good thing that I never got into convenience foods. They serve their purpose as an emergency meal (cheaper than ordering out).

    ReplyDelete

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