Wanting to ditch the processed stuff and create your own hamburger helper recipes from scratch? You’re in luck because I’ve got 13 homemade versions for you to try. But before we dive into those, let’s take a step back and explore what Hamburger Helper is all about.
For those who grew up in the 1970s, Hamburger Helper was a staple in many households.
Introduced in the early days of that decade, it helped address the meat shortage and high prices by providing an affordable way to stretch ground beef. Each box allowed for more than just a couple of servings.
Initially, there were only a few flavors – beef noodles, potato stroganoff, chili tomato, rice oriental, and hash. However, over the years, the company behind Hamburger Helper continued to add new flavors to the mix.
Today, you can find around 65 different options on store shelves or online.
While the boxed mix has its fans, some people crave something more flavorful. That’s where homemade hamburger helper recipes come in – they take the original concept and elevate it with additional spices and seasonings. You’ll find some mouth-watering options like Beef Stroganoff, Four Cheese Lasagna, and even a vegetarian-friendly version for #13.
So, if you’re ready to kick your Hamburger Helper game up a notch, keep reading!
Cheeseburger Macaroni
Starting off this list is a classic favorite that’s sure to please! Our revised take on cheeseburger mac and cheese maintains its core elements, including a generous pound of ground beef. What sets it apart, however, is the addition of rich, genuine cheeses and an extra boost of flavor from expertly chosen spices. For those who prefer their mac and cheese with a kick, a judicious dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add just the right amount of heat.
Beef Stroganoff
One of the most beloved meal kits in this lineup is a stroganoff-inspired recipe that brings together egg noodles, earthy mushrooms, and a richly flavored creamy sauce in a single pot. This dish stays true to traditional stroganoff’s pasta choice, using egg noodles, but feel free to swap them out for other options like fettuccine, farfalle, ziti, or rotini if you prefer.
For added meaty flair and depth of flavor, consider incorporating filled pastas like tortellini or ravioli to take this meal to the next level.
Four Cheese Lasagna
Inspired by meal kits, this one-pot pasta dish is a twist on traditional lasagna. At its core is Mafalda pasta, which resembles miniature lasagna sheets. If you can’t source this unique pasta, broken lasagna sheets will be a suitable substitute. The recipe itself encourages the use of multiple cheeses – specifically two or three – but there’s no reason why you can’t stay true to the dish’s name and employ four different types of cheese.
In fact, the listed options include cheddar, parmesan, Monterey jack, and mozzarella, making it a natural fit to combine all four for an added layer of flavor.
Crunchy Taco
When it comes to Hamburger Helper flavors, one of the most popular options is the Mexican-inspired variant that uses rice instead of pasta. While the recipe relies on ready-made taco seasoning, making your own blend from scratch is an easy option if you don’t have one at home. Simply combine 1 teaspoon each of salt, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and cumin powder, then add a fourth of a teaspoon each of cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano powder.
The dish’s crunch comes from the toppings – crushed tortilla chips, salsa, and avocado slices all come together to create a flavorful and textured finish.
Chili Mac
When you combine your beloved mac and cheese with your favorite chili recipe, what do you get? A delightful fusion of flavors that’s both beefy and hearty! This dish is remarkably easy to prepare, just like its taco-inspired counterpart. To make this chili seasoning blend from scratch, simply mix one teaspoon each of salt, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano powder in a bowl.
Add one tablespoon of chili powder and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Unlike many traditional chilis that are saucy and rich, this recipe is more of a thick, comforting stew. For those who prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add a bit more water to achieve your desired consistency.
Cheesy Enchilada
For those with an Instant Pot and a passion for Mexican cuisine, this speedy enchilada recipe is a must-try! Building on the success of our crunchy taco formula, this dish leverages the same trusty taco seasoning to deliver a flavorful and convenient meal. With an impressive yield of 8 servings, you’ll have ample leftovers to enjoy within three days of cooking – perfect for a quick lunch or dinner solution.
Philly Cheesesteak
Imagine transforming the iconic Philly cheesesteak into a satisfying pasta dish that’s just as flavorful. This recipe does exactly that, yielding enough servings for 6 people. By incorporating the rich flavors of caramelized onions, you’ll be transported to the streets of Philadelphia without sacrificing the comfort of a hearty meal. And if you’re craving that signature sandwich element, simply serve it with crusty bread or toasted rolls for a delightful twist.
Tomato Basil Penne
When it comes to quick pasta recipes that pack a flavorful punch, Hamburger Helper’s Italian-inspired dish is a standout. To capture the essence of Italy, you’ll need some essential herbs and spices – specifically, Italian seasoning. If you don’t have this spice blend on hand, no worries! Simply combine equal parts dried thyme, marjoram, oregano, basil, sage, and rosemary, with a pinch of each to create your own custom blend.
This recipe is designed to serve four and can be whipped up in as little as 30 minutes – perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Fettuccini Alfredo
One of the most appealing aspects of this Hamburger Helper-inspired dish is its unapologetic simplicity. By using spaghetti as the base, you’re already halfway to a satisfying meal. But what’s truly impressive is that this recipe can be easily customized with your pasta of choice – fettuccini or any other variety will do just fine. The beauty lies in the fact that cooking instructions remain largely unchanged, thanks to the ‘one-pot’ nature of this dish.
That means you can skip the step of pre-boiling your pasta and simply add it to the sauce as instructed on the package. This streamlined approach makes for a quick, hassle-free meal that’s sure to become a weeknight staple.
Supreme Cheese Pizza
The creativity doesn’t stop at sandwiches or pasta dishes. Why not elevate a pizza flavor into a meal kit masterpiece? This Supreme Cheese Pizza-inspired creation takes the boxed version to new heights by incorporating real pepperoni slices instead of the powder found in its predecessor. The possibilities for customization are endless, just like when you’re crafting your own perfect pepperoni pizzas.
Add some crunchy bell peppers, caramelized onions, and an assortment of cheeses to give it a personal touch.
Sloppy Joe
When it comes to Hamburger Helper, kids go wild for the meaty, slightly messy, and oh-so-cheesy flavors. And while this recipe is a pasta-based delight, that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate the classic sandwich version. Simply load up a hamburger bun with a serving of this dish and you’ll have a satisfying plate of food perfect for lunch or dinner. Feel free to serve the bun on the side or enjoy it as is – the versatility is all part of the fun!
Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole
This recipe is a low-carb twist on a meal kit classic. By substituting cauliflower rice for traditional pasta, we’re not only reducing carbs but also adding a nutritious and flavorful alternative to the dish. To take it up a notch, this recipe incorporates multiple types of cheese, amplifying the rich and creamy flavor profile.
If you prefer to stick with pasta, you can easily swap out the cauliflower rice for your favorite variety – just be sure to choose larger shapes like penne, ziti, or rotini that will hold their own against the broccoli florets.
Vegan Hamburger Helper
Rekindle the nostalgia of childhood favorites without compromising your vegan lifestyle. The flavors of your youth can be recreated in a plant-based form, allowing you to indulge in the comfort foods that brought you joy. To bring back memories of those nostalgic boxed meal kits, follow this recipe for a vegan take on Hamburger Helper. This version substitutes meat with vegan alternatives and uses plant-based milk instead of dairy.
The game-changer is the cheese sauce, which has been reimagined using nutritional yeast and other ingredients to mimic the creamy, cheesy flavor of its traditional counterpart.
The bottom line
Indulge in the comforting flavors of your childhood with these creative, homemade Hamburger Helper recipes. Unlike their boxed counterparts, these versions are free from artificial additives and powdered flavorings, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste without compromising on quality. If you’re craving a nostalgic dinner experience, look no further!
These copycat recipes offer a healthier alternative that not only satisfies your cravings but also provides an added layer of satisfaction with each bite. So, take a trip down memory lane and discover 13 mouth-watering homemade Hamburger Helper recipes to try – a true game-changer for your mealtime.
