6 Hamburger Helper Alternatives Worth Trying!
While Hamburger Helper has been a part of many of our childhood dreams, now that I’m all grown up, I can appreciate the many delicious alternatives to the classic boxed meal. If you’re looking for a way to mix up your dinnertime routine, I have a solution for you — try out some tasty and unique options instead of Hamburger Helper. Whether you’re looking for an off-brand take on the classic dish, want to try something totally new, or want to make it from scratch at home, I’ve got it all here.
Forget the same old bland Hamburger Helper recipes and explore some of these flavorful alternatives! No matter which recipe you choose to make, remember that a little bit of creativity and experimentation can go a long way. Look at all these options!
Tuna Helper
Tuna Helper is one of my favorites. It’s still easy to make and only requires two cans of tuna, some butter, and your choice of pasta. Plus, you can get creative with it by adding more vegetables for nutrition or cheese for extra flavor.
This is one of my go-to recipes when I’m looking for a delicious, wholesome meal. I love how it allows me to use up any canned tuna I have lying around – plus, it’s a way healthier alternative to the typical boxed versions!
To make this version of Hamburger Helper, you’ll need canned tuna, onion, garlic, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. To begin, saute the onion and garlic until fragrant. Next, add in the mushrooms and cook until softened. Finally, add in the canned tuna, tomato sauce, and cream of mushroom soup until everything is combined and heated through. Serve with your favorite grain or pasta, and you have a fantastic meal!
The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to fit whatever flavors you’re in the mood for. Feel free to add more vegetables or try different types of sauces to switch things up. This makes it a great base meal that can be adapted each time you make it.
Of course, you can always opt for Betty Crocker’s version and buy the instant package made with real cheese, with no artificial colors added, while also coming up with some suggestions on how to make a perfect whole meal!
Chicken Helper
Adding ground chicken to your favorite Hamburger Helper recipe is a great way to get the same flavor but with more protein and less fat. This is an ideal alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option.
To make Chicken Helper, simply substitute ground chicken for ground beef in any of your favorite Hamburger Helper recipes. You can use either white or dark meat, depending on your preference. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. If there’s excess liquid, pour it off before adding the milk and seasonings your recipe calls for.
Once everything is combined, let it simmer for the specified amount of time in the recipe so that all the flavors can meld together. Ultimately, you’ll have a delicious meal full of flavor without all the added fat from ground beef. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone who loves Hamburger Helper!
Knorr Cheesy Bacon Flavor Macaroni
If you’re looking for a tasty ready-made alternative to Hamburger Helper that’s easy to find, try Knorr Cheesy Bacon Flavor Macaroni!
This dish combines the classic taste of mac and cheese with the savory taste of ground beef. It only takes around 15 minutes to prepare on the stovetop, and one container offers four servings, so it’s great for when you and your friends want something quick and delicious without all the prep.
The ingredients include cheddar cheese, macaroni, and seasoning made from onions, lettuce, relish, and spices. Pair this with your favorite hot sauce or veggies for a flavorful meal.
Sloppy Joes Hamburger Helper
Are you a fan of Sloppy Joes? If so, you must be disappointed that Betty Crocker’s Sloppy Joes Hamburger Helper version is no longer an option. Don’t worry; you’re going to love this Hamburger Helper alternative! This dish is easy to make and delicious without even loading up on processed ingredients. You only need ground beef, salsa, taco seasoning, and cheese.
Simply brown your ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked through. Drain off the fat before adding the other ingredients – taco seasoning, salsa, and a few handfuls of cheese. Press the mixture down into an 8×8 baking dish and then top with more cheese (optional). Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve it with some tortillas or chips, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. I love to make this for my guests — it works wonderfully in gatherings. It’s sure to become a family favorite in no time at all!
Ramen Noodle Bowls With Beef
Nothing says comfort food like a good old-fashioned bowl of ramen noodles. And when you can make it with ground beef, it tastes even better! To make this delicious Hamburger Helper alternative, you only need some ramen noodles, one pound of ground beef (or chicken if you prefer), mushrooms, carrots, and your favorite seasonings.
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet and then breaking it apart as it cooks. Once it is fully cooked through, set aside in a separate bowl.
Next, add the mushrooms and carrots into the same skillet that was used for the ground beef. Cook until tender and then set aside in another bowl.
Finally, add the seasonings of your choice to create your own special blend of hamburger helper-style flavor. Once you’re satisfied with your mix of spices, add the cooked beef and vegetables back into the skillet with two cups of water.
Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. I always add three packages of ramen noodles and cook until the noodles are tender, but you can add more or less, depending on how hungry you are. Enjoy!
Homemade Hamburger Helper
If you really want to step up your hamburger helper game, you could try making it yourself at home. You can use any type of pasta or ground beef along with whatever other ingredients you prefer – like onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato – to create a delicious dish in no time!
So, if you like to cook, you can always make your own version of Hamburger Helper at home. Homemade hamburger helper is similar to off-brand Hamburger Helpers, but you can choose which ingredients you want to use. It’s also a great way to ensure your food is healthy since you control what goes in it.
Here are the basics of homemade Hamburger Helper:
- Start with some ground beef. Brown it in a skillet with oil and seasonings, like garlic and onion powder.
- Add some diced vegetables, like bell peppers and onions. Allow them to cook down until they become tender.
- Pour in a can of diced tomatoes, along with some beef broth. Simmer for 15 minutes or so until the mixture thickens.
- Finally, stir in some pasta, and let everything finish cooking together until the pasta is done al dente.
Making homemade Hamburger Helper is an easy way to put a delicious meal on the table in no time flat – and your family will love it! Plus, you can customize it however you want – add some jalapeños for a bit of heat or cooked potatoes for more substance – the endless possibilities!
Homemade Ramen Beef Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 3 packs ramen noodles (I used the 3-oz ones)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 5 mushrooms
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup Teriyaki sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- ⅓ tsp chili sauce or chili paste
Instructions
- Chop up the veggies and prepare all the ingredients.
- Then, brown the ground beef in a large skillet and break it apart as it cooks. Once it is fully cooked through, set it aside in a separate bowl.
- Next, add the mushrooms and carrots into the same skillet that was used for the ground beef. Cook until tender and then set aside in another bowl.
- Finally, add the seasonings (you can add other seasonings, too, depending on your taste). Then add the cooked beef and vegetables back into the skillet with two cups of water.
- Bring everything to a boil and then reduce heat to low.
- Add three packages of ramen noodles and Teriyaki sauce, then cook until the noodles are tender.
- That's it! You can now enjoy your Ramen Beef Hamburger Helper that you have made yourself!
