One-Pot Hamburger Helper - The Defined Dish - Recipes (2024)

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Cue all of the nostalgic feelings because Hamburger Helper is making a comeback — and this One-Pot Hamburger Helper is still just as simple.

One-Pot Hamburger Helper - The Defined Dish - Recipes (1)

Raise your hands if you grew up on Hamburger Helper? My momma made it all the time and I mean, we can all agree that stuff is freaking delicious and pretty genius! But good grief, if I only knew then what I knew now I would have NEVER put that stuff in my body. It is just packed full of fake and horrible ingredients! So let’s clean it up with this One-Pot Hamburger Helper. And if you’re looking for a take on their Italian Shells and Cheese, check out my One-Pot Italian Shells and Cheese.

But, Hamburger Helper is freaking delicious, easy, and saves a Mom’s life for dinner when she doesn’t have time to think or cook dinner! So Amen to that. However, I made this clean version for my kiddos the other day, and WOW, its delicious. Plus, it doesn’t take any longer than the toxic filled boxed version! So you momma’s out there with picky kids and husbands, rejoice! This is the answer to your prayers.

One-Pot Hamburger Helper - The Defined Dish - Recipes (2)

I’ve told you many times that my favorite brand of gluten-free pasta I use in my house is Jovial Brown Rice Pasta. It only has two ingredients (organic rice flour + water) and the taste and texture is outstanding. I buy mine at Whole Foods and I use it in this dish to keep it gluten-free and clean. Also, if you are a dairy-free family– you’ll see that the dairy I included in the dish is optional.

So here we have it: a one-pot, easy, delicious Hamburger Helper that your kids will say DANGGGG GIRRRL.. haha, maybe they won’t say that but they will definitely say positive things and you only have to dirty up one skillet to make it. I just LOVE it.

If you enjoyed this One-Pot Hamburger Helper, try my other one-pot meals!

One-Pot Hamburger Helper - The Defined Dish - Recipes (3)

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 12 oz. dried elbow pasta (I use Jovial Brown Rice Pasta for Gluten-Free) *regular pasta or even chickpea pasta works here
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups milk *for dairy-free, sub 2 cups almond milk or just do 4 cups of beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, omit for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, and ground beef. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Saute, breaking up the ground beef with the back of a spoon, until the beef is cooked through, no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if necessary (I like to keep at least 2 tbsp in there for added flavor).

  • Add in the tomato paste and stir to combine.

  • Add the pasta, the beef broth and the milk and Stir to combine. Bring contents in the pot to a boil and once boiling, reduce the heat to a very subtle simmer and let cook until pasta is tender, stirring very often, until most of the liquid has absorbed and the pasta is al dente, 12 to 15 minutes.

  • Remove from heat and fold in the cheese. Garnish with parsley, if using.

  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

For reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat and add beef broth to rehydrate the noodles. I splash it in about 1/4 cup at a time (depending on how much I am reheating) until it reaches the consistency I want and the noodles are tender again.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Alex Snodgrass

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Photography by Eat Love Eats.

Dinner Gluten-Free kid food One Pot Recipes Pasta Recipes Undefined Dishes

Welcome! I’m Alex.

I’m a food lover sharing healthy, simple, delicious, recipes from my kitchen to yours. Here you’ll find lots of Whole30, lots of healthy, and a little indulgence here and there because…it’s all about balance y’all!

Get to know Alex

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One-Pot Hamburger Helper - The Defined Dish - Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the classic Hamburger Helper? ›

The basic (and most popular) version of Hamburger Helper is a box of dried pasta with seasoning that is designed to be cooked with ground beef. Hamburger Helper offers a variety of flavors, including Lasagna, Cheeseburger Macaroni, Bacon Cheeseburger, Philly Cheesesteak, and others.

How to make Hamburger Helper instructions? ›

Instructions:
  1. Brown hamburger meat in 12-inch skillet or 5-quart Dutch oven; drain.
  2. Stir in hot water, milk, both packets Sauce Mix and uncooked Pasta.
  3. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.
  4. Reduce heat; cover and simmer about 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

What can I use instead of milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

10 Best Milk Substitutes For Hamburger Helper
  1. Condiments. • 1 Mayonnaise - blend of mayo.
  2. Dairy. • 1 Buttermilk - blend of buttermilk. • 1 Half-and-half - cup.
  3. Other. • Powdered milk - Reconstitute per package directions and use cup for cup.

How to make Hamburger Helper out of the box? ›

Add 2 1/4 cups of milk and 2 2/3 cups of hot water to the pan, along with the pasta and seasoning mix from the Hamburger Helper package. Stir everything well and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-20 minutes.

What makes Hamburger Helper taste better? ›

Moreover, you can also combine two kinds of cheese and use them in this dish for extra richness and cheesiness. Spices and herbs: spices and herbs are the best way to improve the flavors of any dish. Add cumin, cayenne, paprika, or Italian herbs to the hamburger helper to make it taste better.

What were the flavors of Hamburger Helper in the 1970s? ›

The brand made its national debut in August 1971. With five flavors – Beef Noodle, Potato Stroganoff, Hash, Rice Oriental and Chili Tomato, it was an instant success. More than one in four – 27 percent – of U.S. households purchased Hamburger Helper in its first year.

Do you absolutely need milk for Hamburger Helper? ›

Absolutely. Since milk adds a creamy texture to the Hamburger Helper sauce, it or its substitutes are recommended as a major ingredient to flavorful Hamburger Helper meals. For best results, choose plant milk or a milk substitute that is sweet or savory, depending on the meal type.

Can you put eggs in Hamburger Helper? ›

Supermarket Mince Meat for Burgers

Another option is to try the tried-and-tested kitchen hack of using a little hamburger helper and an egg.

Did Hamburger Helper change their recipe? ›

Hamburger Helper Reformulates Its Box Meals

But faster cooking time isn't the only big change in Hamburger Helper. The company also adjusted sauces, pasta, and flavor ingredients based on consumer feedback. You can expect robust herbs, spices, and flavors in the entire product lineup.

What happens if you use water instead of milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

Water: If you're looking for a simple substitute, water can be used in place of milk. While it won't provide the same creaminess, it will still work well in the recipe [2]. Shredded Cheese: Adding shredded cheese to your Hamburger Helper can help thicken the sauce and add extra flavor.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

Milk adds a creamy texure and lends its flavor to the sauce in Hamburger Helper. You may not enjoy the results made with only water. Betty's Emrgency Substitutions page suggests a substitution for a cup of milk: 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water; or nonfat dry milk prepared as directed on package.

How do you make boxed Hamburger Helper taste better? ›

Some ideas that you can try in small batches instead of the whole dish:
  1. Mix in some chopped tomatoes (canned and drained or fresh) and maybe sour cream, ricotta or plain yogurt. ...
  2. I love to mix in frozen peas when I cook my hamburger helper.
Jan 14, 2022

What can you substitute for ground beef in Hamburger Helper? ›

Ground beef gives this dish that classic Hamburger Helper flavor and adds lots of protein to your dinner. You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead if you prefer. Whole Wheat Pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds nutritional value to the dish and it holds up well during cooking.

Can I use broth instead of water in Hamburger Helper? ›

Easy Hamburger Helper ingredients

Water: or you can use beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to add extra flavor. Milk: adds to the creaminess along with the cheddar cheese. You could sub sour cream if you were feeling like experimenting in the kitchen.

What are the different types of Hamburger Helper? ›

Hamburger Helper Variety Pack of 9- Crunchy Taco, Philly Cheesesteak, Stroganoff, Cheesy Hashbrowns ,Beef Pasta, Double Cheeseburger Mac, Cheesy Ranch Burger, Four Cheese Lasagna, Potatoes Stroganoff.

Why did they change Hamburger Helper? ›

Hamburger Helper Reformulates Its Box Meals

But faster cooking time isn't the only big change in Hamburger Helper. The company also adjusted sauces, pasta, and flavor ingredients based on consumer feedback. You can expect robust herbs, spices, and flavors in the entire product lineup.

Why was Hamburger Helper discontinued? ›

High-end consumers are shifting toward fresher items with fewer processed ingredients while cost-conscious shoppers are buying inexpensive store brands. The makers of staples including Chef Boyardee canned pasta and Hamburger Helper meal kits failed to spot the threat and didn't innovate in time.

Is Hamburger Helper just mac and cheese with meat? ›

In traditional Hamburger Helper, the box comes with dry macaroni, a spice packet, and a powdered cheese packet, much like the blue box macaroni and cheese. To make, you brown ground beef then add beef broth, milk and the powdered packets then simmer to create a cheesy macaroni and beef pasta.

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