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!

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

FAQs

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

Worcestershire sauce: The Worcestershire sauce helps add a depth of flavor to the sauce. You could also substitute coconut aminos or soy sauce. Onions: You can use yellow onions, sweet onions, or even white onions. Garlic: Fresh is best.

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.

How many different hamburger helpers are there? ›

To cook, simply brown the beef and combine it with water, milk, plus the box's contents. It was a huge success and expanded into different flavors and noodle types. The line, currently owned by Eagle Family Foods, now consists of more than 40 products that not only use beef, but also tuna and chicken.

What can I put in Hamburger Helper to make it better? ›

Seasonings: the true healthy hamburger helper taste comes from paprika, dried oregano, and plenty of salt and pepper. Pasta: the star of the show! I used pipe rigate pasta because I love how the sauce gets into every little nook and cranny of the noodle. Cheese: don't forget plenty of sharp cheddar cheese.

How to make 2 boxes of Hamburger Helper? ›

To make two boxes, follow the range top directions, but use double the amount of added ingredients listed in the directions for one box (margarine and water, for example). Use the sauce mix and pasta from both of the boxes.

How to jazz up Hamburger Helper? ›

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 is the best substitute for sour cream in stroganoff? ›

Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative to the traditionally used sour cream in beef stroganoff recipes, so you can be confident that your family is getting a satisfying, healthy meal. Fresh dill and paprika will provide a sweet, slightly smoky garnish to top off the dish.

What should I season my Hamburger Helper meat with? ›

The best seasonings to use for Hamburger Helper are salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

What happens if you use water instead of 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.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk? ›

Sour cream or full fat yogurt can be substituted 1:1 for whole milk. Use this substitute in baking quick breads or for adding creaminess to pan sauces. Sour cream works especially well in recipes calling for buttermilk, too and vanilla-flavored yogurt can be used for sweet quick breads and cakes.

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.

What was the original Hamburger Helper flavor? ›

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.

Why does Hamburger Helper taste different? ›

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.

Who owns Hamburger Helper now? ›

Since being purchased by Eagle, Helper's sales have increased, but its market share remains flat. In 2022, Hamburger Helper generated $248.6 million in U.S. sales, or 19.5% of the quick recipe kits category, according to Euromonitor. Last year, Hamburger Helper sales hit $272.2 million, reaching a 20% market share.

How much water and milk do you use for 2 Hamburger Helper? ›

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.

How to make Hamburger Helper from the box without milk? ›

You can try using vegetable or chicken broth, which will add flavor and liquid to the recipe. Additionally, you could mix a small amount of sour cream or plain yogurt with water to achieve a creamy consistency without milk.

What comes in a hamburger helper box? ›

As boxed, it consists of a dried carbohydrate (often pasta or rice), with powdered seasonings contained in a packet. The consumer is meant to combine the contents of the box with browned ground beef ("hamburger"), water, and, with some varieties, milk to create a complete one-dish meal.

Do you have to add water to Hamburger Helper? ›

Hamburger Helper is a common denominator.

Hamburger Helper requires the same ingredient for every box: one pound of ground beef, perhaps some milk, and warm water.

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