Homemade Hamburger Helper (2024)

FAQs

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

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.

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.

Directions : You will need: 1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Turkey 2 1/3 cups Hot Water 1 cup Milk Cook: Cook ground meat in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up and stirring. Drain; return cooked meat to skillet. Stir: Stir in hot water, milk, Sauce Mix and Pasta.

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.

Milk: I think milk works great to add richness to this homemade hamburger helper recipe and it cuts back on the calories a bit over using heavy cream. 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.

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.

Once the beef has rendered its fat, it's time to generously add your mix of seasonings — granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, and cayenne powder. These seasonings absorb the rendered fat, bloom, and beautifully transform the beef.

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.

If your Hamburger Helper is too runny or juicy, the best way to thicken it up is to put the lid on the pan and let the mixture steam for at least five minutes. The macaroni will continue to absorb the liquid and the mixture will become thicker. If it always seems too thin, reduce the amount of liquid added.

How often should I stir a Hamburger Helper? ›

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.

Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain. Add hot water, milk, pasta and ``sauce packet'' ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes or until pasta is tender. In the last few minutes of cook time, add cheese, stir and re-cover.

A question we often get is “How much meat do I need?” The starting rule of thumb is: Boneless Meat: 1/2 lb. per person for adults and 1/4 lb. per person for children.

Choosing lean ground beef

This Healthy Hamburger Helper calls for 93% lean ground beef, which is much lower in fat and total calories than 85% lean. If you can only find 85% lean, simply drain the browned beef then rinse with hot water for a fat content closer to 90% lean.

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.

In a separate pot, bring the water and chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the Hamburger Helper mix and stir until well combined. Add the cooked ground beef, onions, and garlic to the pot with the Hamburger Helper mixture. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.

One-Pan Dinner.

The secret to keeping this recipe easy AND achieving maximum creaminess is to cook the noodles in the pan with the other ingredients (just like my Chili Mac and Cheese).