Craving a comfort food explosion that combines the irresistible flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the nostalgic convenience of Hamburger Helper? Get ready to transform your dinner table with this mouthwatering Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper that will have your family begging for seconds! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed meal that's guaranteed to become an instant family favorite. Forget boring weeknight dinners – this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef, 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary. Season the beef with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
- Add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the ground beef, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
- Next, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve the Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper hot, garnished with additional crumbled bacon or cheese if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately before adding to the dish and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor – pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- To prevent the macaroni from sticking, stir occasionally and ensure there's enough liquid in the pan while cooking.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when seasoning the beef.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little extra beef broth to keep the pasta moist and creamy.
- For a healthier twist, use lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a protein alternative.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg