When I was a kid, I lived off of Hamburger Helper. I loved the rich, cheesy taste – I couldn’t get enough of it. As an adult, however, I discovered intolerances to both dairy and monosodium glutamate (MSG), ingredients common to all Hamburger Helper flavors. Then, I developed this easy dairy-free Hamburger Helper recipe.
You probably have all the ingredients you need right now – canned and boxed pantry staples, ground beef, and fresh veggies.
This recipe also includes more veggies than from-the-box hamburger helper, raising its nutritional content. Even if you’ve been avoiding dairy for a while, you’ll find that the flavor is spot-on.
Dairy-Free Hamburger Helper Recipe
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Cook time: about 15 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: About 8
Dairy-Free Hamburger Helper Ingredients
1 cup broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1 cup plant-based milk (I prefer oat)
8 oz dry macaroni pasta
1 lb ground beef
1/4 onion, chopped
1/2 bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb fresh or frozen tomatillos or green tomatoes
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can black beans
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp taco seasoning
Salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste
Plant-based cheddar-style shreds
Dairy-Free Hamburger Helper Preparation
- Combine broth, plant-based milk, and pasta in a large frying pan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and whole tomatillos or green tomatoes.
- Chop the fresh vegetables – onions, peppers, and garlic. Add to the skillet and continue to simmer. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. You may wish to adjust the heat to medium or medium-low.
- As the tomatillos or tomatoes begin to soften, remove them from the skillet, and place them in a blender or food processor. Blend until they reach a salsa-like consistency. Add 1/4 cup water if needed. Return pureed tomatillos to the skillet.
- Add the canned beans and corn; do not drain. Their moisture will be absorbed by the pasta as it continues to cook.
- Add garlic powder and taco seasoning; stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add ground cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Your dairy-free hamburger helper is ready to enjoy when the macaroni noodles are soft and the ground beef is well-done.
- Top with your favorite plant-based cheddar cheese and enjoy!
Shout out to our friends at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds – this recipe wouldn’t have been possible without their delicious heirloom tomatillos! Tomatillos freeze extremely well, allowing fresh dishes well into the winter.
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.