Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How many cups of water and milk for 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. Stir everything well and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10-20 minutes.

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.

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.

ENRICHED MACARONI (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMIN MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), MODIFIED WHEY, CORN STARCH, SALT, WHEAT FLOUR, SUGAR, CHEDDAR CHEESE* (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), PALM OIL, CITRIC ACID, VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA, SOYBEAN AND/OR SUNFLOWER OIL), ONION*, ANNATTO EXTRACT (COLOR ...

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.

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.

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.

Yes, if you prefer not to use milk or non-dairy milk, there are alternative options available. 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.

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.

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.

What makes Hamburger Helper thicker? ›

Cheese – A whole cup of shredded cheddar cheese will add just the right amount of cheesiness to this hamburger helper recipe. Corn Starch – It'll help to thicken up the liquids and coat the macaroni and ground beef in all the cheesy goodness!

Instructions: 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.

It is not recommended to cook with spoiled milk, as it can cause food poisoning and other health risks.

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.

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.

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).