Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to make a boxed Hamburger Helper? ›

Cooking Instructions

Stir: Stir in water, milk, Sauce Mix and Pasta. Heat to boiling. Simmer: Reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Once the ground beef is browned, add steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Stir well and add the beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, A1 Steak seasoning, and about 2 1/2 cups of pasta. I like to use a spiral pasta, but any pasta you have should work!

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.

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.

With one hand, slowly add the sauce mixture to the hamburger mixture, while stirring constantly with the other hand. Stir constantly so that it doesn't start to stick to the bottom of the skillet. Sauce will start to thicken. Continue stirring constantly.

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

Here is how I did it: Elevated Hamburger Helper Lasagna Hamburger Helper 1 Lb of ground beef Make per box instructions Instead of all milk as box states use half milk & half heavy Whipping Cream Add 1 can fire roasted tomatoes 2 Tbsp of cream cheese Cover and let cook about 10 mins until noodles are cooked At the end ...

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.

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.

Mayonnaise: Surprisingly, mayonnaise can be used as a substitute for milk. It adds tanginess and blends well with the other flavors in the dish [2]. 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].

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.