One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper with Cheese + Video (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to 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.

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.

We don't recommend preparing more than two boxes at a time. 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).

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.

How do you thicken up Hamburger Helper? 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.

How do I make Hamburger Helper taste better? Add fresh vegetables to the dish. Brown the ground beef and saute some onions, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and garlic on the side. Make the sauce, add the veggies and simmer until it is done.

Remove pan from the heat and carefully drain off most of the fat, leaving a little in the pan to keep the meat moist. Return pan to medium-high heat and add white wine, allowing it to reduce until the mixture is almost dry, about 10 minutes.

Instructions: Brown hamburger meat in 10-inch skillet; drain. Stir in hot water, milk, Sauce Mix and uncooked Pasta. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally.

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.

How often should I stir a Hamburger Helper? ›

Let the mixture cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so, breaking up the meat, and making sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce as much as possible.

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).

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.

Crumble 1 pound hamburger meat into 2½-quart microwavable casserole or bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain. Stir in sauce mix, 2-1/3 cups boiling water, ½ cup milk and uncooked Pasta.

I prefer low sodium. But feel free to use chicken, or vegetable broth as well. Don't skip this step. This rich and nourishing broth helps to heighten all the flavors and tie the dish together.