Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (2024)

Last Updated . Published By Abbey Sharp 41 Comments

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DISCLAIMER: This post was developed in sponsored partnership with Catelli, however, as always, all opinions are genuine.

Medically reviewed by Abbey Sharp, Registered Dietitian (RD), BASc.

This Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe will quickly become a one-pot family staple that you and the kids will love!Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (1)

The 90s were an interesting time to be a kid. Mood rings were the hottest accessory. Roller blades were the only way to get around. And Hamburger Helper was surely on the table at least once each week. What’s not to love about a package of noodles and seasoning that requires nothing more than a pack of ground beef?

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (2)

When we were growing up, my mom was admittedly not a huge fan of the kitchen, so a one-pot wonder dinner like Hamburger Helper was her BFF. It was our BFF too because it was so damn delicious. But now that I’m older, I work with food as a living, and I’m obviously a little more health-conscious, I figured it was time to retire the boxed stuff and all of the sodium, preservatives and added starches they pack in there. This Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper is my tasty homemade version, loaded with antioxidants, satiating fibre, good for you fats and powerful protein. And I promise you, it’s legit the tastiest thing you’ll ever eat.

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (3)

How to Make Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (4)

My goal was not only to make my Hamburger Helper vegan, but also to load as many antioxidant rich veggies into each bite without missing out on my nostalgic trashy-boxed-meal experience. I use Catelli’s SuperGreens pasta since it’s literally just made out of wheat, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, parsley and kale. I also love that Catelli is celebrating their 150th anniversary, having evolved to meet Canadians changing health needs like getting more veggies into our kids. And the taste? Amazing, I promise, no one will be the wiser! I also love that it packs 5 grams of fibre and 10 grams of protein per serving along with iron, B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. The cool thing about Hamburger Helper is that everything just goes into the same pot. That means there’s no need to manage multiple pots or pans at the same time, and you only have to wash one thing! No wonder my mom depended so heavily on this stuff.

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (5)Aside from of course my veggie-loaded pasta, the base of my Vegan Hamburger Helper includes garlic, onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper and mushrooms. In other words, I am loading in the goods. Instead of using sour cream or cheese to add that much-needed creamy element to this dish, I puree some cashews until luscious and smooth. The result is a dreamy bowl of good-for-you pasta that can be cooked in just one pot that your whole family is going to gobble up.Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (6)

Whether you’re frantically trying to get a balanced school-night dinner on the table or you’re just trying to sneak some extra veggies into your family’s meal, this Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper is for you. Buh bye boxed meal starter kit, hello fresh healthy supper. Welcome to 2017.

Now, I want to know, what family dishes did you grow up with as a child that you would like to see me healthify?

Did you grow up eating Hamburger Helper too?

Have you tried my better for you Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper?

Leave me a comment below with your thoughts!Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (7)

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Catelli pasta, however, all opinions are genuine.

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (8)

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper

This Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe will quickly become a one-pot family staple that you and the kids will love!

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 410kcal

Author: Abbey Sharp

Ingredients

  • 250 grams cremini mushrooms stemmed and quartered
  • 1 cup cashews soaked overnight
  • ½ cup unsweetened plain almond or cashew milk
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 2 carrots peeled and finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp chili powder
  • 500 grams veggie ground “meat”
  • 1 box Catelli SuperGreens Rotini
  • 3 ½ cups reduced sodium vegetable broth divided
  • 2 tbsp whole grain flour
  • ¼ cup reduced sodium tamari
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Chives minced for garnish
  • Parsley minced for garnish

Instructions

  • In a high-speed blender, pulse the mushrooms until they reach a ground meat like consistency. Set aside and rinse out the blender.

  • Add the cashews and almond or cashew milk to the blender and puree on high until very smooth. This may take about 5-6 minutes of the motor running to get the fats to break down and get creamy. Set aside.

  • In a large nonstick skillet, preheat the oil over medium high heat.

  • Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add in the garlic, mushrooms, oregano, thyme, paprika, chili and veggie ground meat. Saute until the garlic is fragrant.

  • Add in the Catelli SuperGreens Rotini and 3 cups of the vegetable broth. Cover with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes until the broth has been absorbed and the pasta is al dente.

  • In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup broth, flour and tamari until smooth. Mix it into the pasta along with the cashew cream and stir until well coated. Season with salt and lots of black pepper, to taste.

  • Serve hot topped with chives and parsley as garnish, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcal

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AbbeysKitchen or tag #abbeyskitchen!

Updated on November 22nd, 2019

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (9)

Abbey Sharp

Abbey Sharpis a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by theOntario College of Dietitians. She is a mom,YouTuber,Blogger,award winningcookbook author,media coachspecializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications likeHealthlineand on national broadcastTV shows.

Veggie Packed Vegan Hamburger Helper Copy Cat Recipe | Healthy One Pot Meals (2024)

FAQs

Can Hamburger Helper be made without meat? ›

Yes! Although traditionally Hamburger Helper has called for meat additions, these ingredients can be easily substituted by your choice of protein. Instead of meat, you can add vegetables or a meat alternative of your choice to Hamburger Helper meals to make them plant-based.

What veggie goes well with Hamburger Helper? ›

The best side dishes to serve with Hamburger Helper are mac and cheese, tater tots, blooming onion, zucchini noodles, baked ziti, bacon-wrapped asparagus, garlic bread, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, cheddar biscuits, corn on the cob, wedge salad, and hush puppies.

Can you cook Hamburger Helper in a pot? ›

Although this hamburger helper recipe is really simple, you can make some ingredient substitutions and change things up a little to your taste. Here are my top tips: Use a pot or a large dutch oven to make this recipe. A skillet or a pan isn't suitable.

What can you add to Hamburger Helper? ›

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.

Can you use evaporated milk instead of milk in Hamburger Helper? ›

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.

Can I use broth instead of water in Hamburger Helper? ›

Milk: I think milk works great to add richness to this homemade hamburger helper recipe and it cuts back on the calories a bit over using heavy cream. Hot water: If you want this dish extra savory, go ahead and heat up some beef broth or even chicken broth in place of the water.

When to add frozen veggies to hamburger helper? ›

Pump up the veggies

Stir in 1 cup frozen riced cauliflower into the pot when you add the pasta. Once pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup frozen peas. Add 1 cup of grated zucchini to the pot when you add the ground meat.

What to add to hamburger helper stroganoff to make it taste better? ›

Worcestershire sauce: The Worcestershire sauce helps add a depth of flavor to the sauce. You could also substitute coconut aminos or soy sauce. Onions: You can use yellow onions, sweet onions, or even white onions.

What is similar to Hamburger Helper? ›

10 Healthy Alternatives to Hamburger Helper
  • Quinoa Beef Skillet. ...
  • Turkey and Sweet Potato Hash. ...
  • Lentil Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles. ...
  • Cauliflower Rice Casserole. ...
  • Spaghetti Squash and Meat Sauce. ...
  • Chickpea Pasta with Veggie-Loaded Marinara. ...
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Quinoa. ...
  • Eggplant Lasagna.

Do you drain grease for Hamburger Helper? ›

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.

Do you double ingredients for 2 boxes of Hamburger Helper? ›

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).

What does simmer mean for Hamburger Helper? ›

WHAT DOES SIMMER MEAN? A simmer is a method of cooking that uses moderate heat to gently soften foods while slowly combining seasonings and ingredients.

What vegetable goes good with Hamburger Helper? ›

15 Sides for Hamburger Helper
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
  • Buttery Sweet Peas.
  • Oven-Roasted Carrots.
  • Crispy Onion Rings.
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob.
  • Caprese Skewers.
  • Sweet Potato Fries.
  • Sautéed Green Beans.
Feb 6, 2024

How to make Hamburger Helper tastier? ›

Other Additions
  1. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
  2. Hot Sauce: For those who like it spicy.
  3. Sour Cream: Makes the sauce creamier.
  4. Heavy Cream: Adds a rich and indulgent creaminess.
  5. Broth or Stock: Instead of water, use beef stock or beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to add depth.
Apr 28, 2024

Can you make Hamburger Helper without the meat? ›

Hamburger Helper without meat is quick and easy to make. Just use the same measure of liquid normally used. Depending on if you add extra veggies and which ones, the consistency can change. Add a fresh twist to Helper tonight!

Can a burger be without meat? ›

A veggie burger is a hamburger made with a patty that does not contain meat, or the patty of such a hamburger. The patty may be made from ingredients like beans (especially soybeans and tofu), nuts, grains, seeds, or fungi such as mushrooms or mycoprotein.

Does Hamburger Helper have meat in it? ›

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.

What happens if you forget to drain the meat in Hamburger Helper? ›

The short answer is – nothing. Yes your dish will likely be a bit greasy and have additional calories, but it will also have additional flavor! It is not harmful though.

Is Hamburger Helper the same as beef stroganoff? ›

The difference between a traditional beef stroganoff and the Hamburger Helper version is the meat. The traditional version has cuts of beef, while the Hamburger Helper version uses ground beef. I decided to stick with that for my recipe! I added in more vegetables and the homemade sauce was really easy to make.

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