Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I use beef 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.

Sprinkle the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and pepper over the browned meat and stir well to evenly distribute the spices. Add the hot water, milk, and pasta, then bring to a boil. Cover with a lid, reduce heat and simmer for 8-11 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

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.

The first Hamburger Helper flavors

The first flavors sounded more palatable than the original dinner mixes, including Chili Tomato, Potato Stroganoff, Rice Oriental, Beef Noodle, and Hash. Each box was a different color, and the chili tomato was the only original one that featured macaroni pasta.

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.

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.

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.

You can just use water. It won't taste quite as creamy, but you can just add some butter or cheese or whatever to compensate if necessary.

Salt has a greater impact on flavor than any other ingredient. Learn to use it well, and food will taste good. Salt's relationship to flavor is multidimensional: It has its own particular taste, and it both balances and enhances the flavor of other ingredients.

You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or unsalted butter if you prefer. Onion and Garlic: Classic flavor pairings for ground beef that give this dish depth.

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.

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). As the pasta starches release, they thicken the Hamburger Helper sauce, making it ultra rich and creamy.

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.

Instructions: Crumble 1½ pounds hamburger meat into 3-quart microwavable casserole or bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain. Stir in both packets Sauce mix, 2-3/4 cups boiling water, 2¼ cups milk and uncooked Pasta.

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.

Brown hamburger meat in 10-inch skillet; drain. Stir in hot water, milk, Sauce Mix and uncooked Pasta. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

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).