Homemade Hamburger Helper – Frisco Melt Style

Frisco Melt Hamburger Helper has all the flavors of a classic Steak ‘n Shake Frisco melt burger in the form of a quick, weeknight pasta. The ingredients are simple – ground beef, macaroni, thousand island and French dressings, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Swiss cheese and Velveeta. When combined into a homemade version of hamburger helper, your mouth will rejoice and your family will applaud this cheesy hamburger dish.

One Pot Homemade Frisco Burger Hamburger Helper Recipe

What can I make with hamburger and macaroni? The answer is easy. Try making homemade hamburger helper (without the box). It’s quick and easy, and kids love it.

If you’ve never been to Steak n’ Shake, then you may be wondering what is a Frisco Melt?  It’s a steak-burger topped with American and Swiss cheeses with a yummy sauce.  With kiddos in the house, sometimes I have an easier time getting them to eat a pasta, such as hamburger helper, than a hamburger. Thus, I created this yummy homemade hamburger helper.

The flavors of a Frisco Melt sauce include Thousand Island dressing, French dressing, Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Make this Frisco sauce and serve with French fries whenever you want, or use it as a sauce for your hamburgers.

Hamburger Helper from Scratch

Did you grow up on Hamburger Helper?  We had it occasionally as kids, and as a mom now, I tend to create meals like hamburger helper from scratch.  It’s super simple, and I usually always have the ingredients in the pantry and refrigerator already.  Skillet meals like Velveeta and ground beef casserole go together quickly, and are usually prepared in less than 30 minutes.

The best part of this recipe is that it’s a one pot meal. This means that you cook everything in one pot which equals less clean up.  Some of our favorite one pan plans include Skillet Smoked Sausage and Cabbage, Easy Crock Pot Chicken Chili, Zero Point Weight Watchers Green Bean Chili, and Low Carb Beef Fried Cauliflower Rice.

What can I make with hamburger meat?

The options are endless when it comes to cooking with hamburger (also known as ground beef)?

• Spaghetti Pie
• Spanish Sauce for Hot Dogs
• Hamburger Gravy
• Enchiladas
• Hamburger Vegetable Soup
• Tater Tot Casserole
• Hamburger Quiche
• Hamburger Rice Hot Dish

What to serve with hamburger helper?

Hamburger helper contains both a protein and a grain, so all you need is some type of fruit and/ or vegetable to serve along side.

• Side salad or a chopped salad, like this Taco version
• Coleslaw
• Southern Vegetable Salad
• Roasted Cauliflower
• Spicy Baked Zucchini
• Cinnamon Apples
• Old Fashioned Fruit Salad
• Quick Microwave Asparagus

How to Make Hamburger Helper from scratch?

Step by Step Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet; drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add uncooked macaroni, water, dressings, ketchup and Worcestershire.
3. Simmer covered for 10 minutes. Remove lid, and simmer until pasta is fully cooked.
4. Add cheeses, and stir until completely melted.

Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to a week.

For full homemade Frisco melt hamburger helper recipe and ingredient list, scroll to the bottom of this post. 

Recipe FAQs

• We use ground beef for this recipe. Use whatever blend that you prefer (lean:fat), just be sure to drain the excess fat if necessary.
• Use ground turkey, instead of ground beef, in this Frisco Melt Hamburger Helper recipe if desired.
• Our homemade hamburger helper recipe calls for uncooked elbow macaroni.  Don’t have this in the pantry? Swap it out for whatever type of pasta you have. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• The traditional cheese blend in Frisco melts is a combination of Swiss and American cheese.  However, Velveeta gives the One Pot Homemade Frisco Melt Hamburger Helper a creamy texture, but use shredded American if that’s what you have on hand.
• Make this Frisco sauce with Thousand Island dressing, French dressing, Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to enjoy with other foods, like French fries!
• Check out these Frisco Melt Sticks from Beyer Beware for when you have a Frisco Melt craving but are on the go. Or these other recipes when you aren’t on the go – Frisco Melt Tater Tot Casserole and Frisco Sloppy Joes!
• We love one pan plans like this one and our Skillet Smoked Sausage and Cabbage.

Recipe Variations

• Add bacon!
• Serve with a thick slice of Texas Toast or sourdough bread.
• Top with tomato, pickles or pickle relish and/or diced raw onions or caramelized onions before serving.

What does a frisco melt have on it?

A Frisco Melt typically includes a steak-burger topped with American and Swiss cheeses and a special sauce made with Thousand Island dressing, French dressing, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.

Linking up to Weekend Potluck. Go check out all the great recipes!