Hamburger Helper Chili Mac is a classic comfort food, beloved for its ease and satisfying flavor. This recipe takes the convenience of the boxed mix and elevates it with a few simple additions for a truly delicious meal. We'll explore variations and answer common questions to help you master this quick and easy recipe.
What's in a Box of Hamburger Helper Chili Mac?
Before we dive into the recipe enhancements, let's understand what's already in that familiar box. Typically, Hamburger Helper Chili Mac contains a blend of seasoned pasta, flavoring packets (often containing spices, dehydrated vegetables, and milk solids), and sometimes even small pasta shapes. The foundation is already there; we just need to add a few fresh ingredients to amplify the flavor.
Hamburger Helper Chili Mac Recipe: The Enhanced Version
This recipe builds on the convenience of the Hamburger Helper mix, adding depth and freshness to create a truly satisfying meal.
Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional, but adds texture and fiber)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 box Hamburger Helper Chili Mac
Instructions:
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans (if using), chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine with Helper: Add the contents of the Hamburger Helper box (seasoning packet and pasta) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Cook according to package directions: Add the required amount of water (as indicated on the Hamburger Helper box) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed, typically about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot: Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of ground meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a leaner ground beef blend. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Don't worry! You can certainly adjust the spices to your liking. If you're missing a spice, you can often substitute with a similar one, or simply omit it altogether. The Hamburger Helper seasoning mix already provides a good base of flavor.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While not ideal for this particular recipe due to the pasta, you could adapt it. Cook the meat and vegetables in the slow cooker, then add the Hamburger Helper ingredients and cook on low for a longer period, monitoring carefully to prevent overcooking the pasta. It might require some experimentation to get the timing right.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use leaner ground beef, increase the amount of vegetables, and add more beans for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of salt and use whole wheat pasta if available, although this might affect the texture slightly.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just add them along with the onion and bell pepper.
Conclusion
Hamburger Helper Chili Mac is a versatile and delicious meal that can be easily customized to your taste preferences. By following this enhanced recipe and utilizing the tips and FAQs provided, you can create a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal in minimal time. Enjoy!
