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)

One-Pot Hamburger Helper

A cleaner re-make of the classic boxed Hamburger Helper that the whole family will LOVE.

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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 can you add to Hamburger Helper? ›

Here are some recommended swaps and add-ins you can try: Add a boost of veggies: feel free to throw in shredded zucchini, sauteed chopped red bell pepper, or mushrooms or a few cups of chopped spinach! My kids usually never know that it's in there. Spice it up: if you'd like you can add some red pepper flakes on top.

Do you put milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

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.

What to add to Hamburger Helper stroganoff to make it taste better? ›

Be it cheesiness or something else. I'm not big on mushrooms and the like, so my usual goto of spicing it up is to add the meat, then garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, pinch of paprika(sometimes none), small amount of cavenders, and occasionally, if Im in a sweet mood, brown sugar.

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

Instead of hamburger meat, we used a plant-based ground meat. If you're looking for plant-based protein alternatives, Lightlife ground meat is a great option! Made with pea protein, it takes less than 5 minutes to cook and you can store it in the freezer until ready to use.

How to spruce up Hamburger Helper beef pasta? ›

Turn this flavor up even more! Add chopped onions to beef while browning. Stir in cooked mixed vegetables before serving. Heat: Add meatballs, hot water, milk, Sauce Mix and Pasta to 10-inch skillet; stir well.

Can I add eggs to Hamburger Helper? ›

Add in dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and eggs; stir well. Try to stir in the eggs quickly so they don't curdle. The goal is for the eggs to make the cheese sauce thicker and creamier. Stir in browned meat and garlic.

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 sour cream instead of milk? ›

In fact, you can substitute sour cream for milk almost anytime the recipe calls for less than a cup of milk. One of the most common ingredients to use milk with is potatoes. Spuds love dairy, so if a recipe calls for milk, sour cream almost always works in its place.

What happens if you don't use milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

Absolutely! Water can be used as a substitute for milk in Hamburger Helper. Keep in mind that using water will result in a more basic flavor profile compared to using milk, as milk adds creaminess and richness. However, it can still produce a tasty and satisfying dish.

What makes Hamburger Helper taste better? ›

How do you make hamburger helper taste better? I think the best way to make HH taste better is to use stock to prepare instead of water. Also enhance flavors by adding a little extra real cheese at the end, topping with an herb, and adding a dollop of sour cream.

Can you add butter to Hamburger Helper? ›

Cooking Instructions

STIR – Stir in hot water, milk, butter, Sauce Mix and Pasta. Heat to boiling. SIMMER – Reduce heat. Cover; simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

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

Hot water: If you want this dish extra savory, go ahead and heat up some beef broth or even chicken broth in place of the water. But I find that with all the spices and cheese, water works just fine.

Can you use tuna in Hamburger Helper? ›

Add milk, hot water and sauce mix (from Hamburger Helper™ box); stir to combine. Stir in uncooked pasta (from Hamburger Helper™ box) and tuna. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can you use evaporated 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.

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

Depending on the type of Hamburger Helper, you can use any other liquid, such as almond milk, coconut milk, chicken stock or beef stock.

What to add into cheeseburger Hamburger Helper? ›

Simply add ground beef or hot dogs, water, and milk to create an irresistible, delectably cheesy meal option for any day of the week. Add your own twist with cooked bacon, shredded cheese or sliced tomatoes for an extra dose of flavor.

What can I add to Hamburger Helper if I don't have milk? ›

Stock: If you can't consume dairy, using stock or broth can add flavor to your Hamburger Helper. Beef or vegetable stock works well [2]. Coconut Milk: Both canned and refrigerated unsweetened coconut milk can be used as a substitute for milk. It adds creaminess and a slight coconut flavor to the dish [2].

What spices can you add to Hamburger Helper? ›

Add in 2 1/2 cups milk and 1 1/2 cups hot tap water, or warm chicken or beef broth.. 3. Mix together the spices (chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt) and cornstarch. Cornstarch will help thicken the sauce for a creamier and more silky cheese sauce.

What can you add to Hamburger Helper instead of milk? ›

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.

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