Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (2024)

Last modified: . Originally posted: By Sophia DeSantis

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This homemade vegan hamburger helper recipe is healthy and the perfect family friendly meal. Can be made gluten free too!

Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (1)
Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (2)

This post was sponsored byNOW Foodsbut the contentand opinions expressed are fully my own.

This post was originally published on March 26, 2017.

Anyone else NOT grow up on hamburger helper? I never ate it as a kid because my mom was from Greece and made all the classic Greek dishes. But as an adult, I obviously needed to recreate this as a tad healthier version to stuff my face with!

Top reasons why this vegan hamburger helper is actually good for you:

  1. Protein packed with meaty chickpea crumble.
  2. A cheese sauce madeprimarily of veggies.
  3. A pasta made from naturally gluten free whole food ingredients.
  4. No processed trickery.

Ingredients

No boxed processed cheese food product here. Only real, wholesome ingredients! Here's what you need:

Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (3)

My favorite trick is using dried soaked chickpeas, then chopping them into a fine crumble and cooking them with broth and spices. The texture is awesome and the flavor is amazing.

Couple that with my Ultimate Cheese Sauce and a bowl full of pasta and it doesn't get much better. But here's the thing, I am a pasta snob. There is nothing worse than digging into noodles that plain suck.

So what kind of pasta do I like? This.Living Now Organic Quinoa Macaroni. If you're looking for a macaroni that looks like the real deal and tastes like the real deal, this is it.

No weird color. No weird texture. No weird flavor. Just the good stuff. When I found this stuff, I knew I'd hit the gluten free, whole food, full of nutrients jackpot.

How to Make Vegan Hamburger Helper

This recipe for homemade Vegan Hamburger Helper is seriously almost as easy as the box! Here's what to do:

  1. Crumble soaked chickpeas in a food processor.Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (4)
  2. Sauté onion, then mix in the rest of the meaty crumble ingredients.Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (5)
  3. Once cooked, add cheese sauce and mix well.Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (6)
  4. Stir cooked pasta into the hamburger cheese mix.Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (7)
  5. Serve!Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (8)

Tips and tricks

These suggestions will come in handy when you're making your own healthy hamburger helper:

  • The Cheese Sauce recipe makes 4 cups, but you'll only need about 2 cups. Save the rest for later! Make nachos, plain macaroni and cheese, a dip for veggies, cheese fries, and more. It also freezes well.
  • If using canned chickpeas, skip the broth or water and just drain, rinse, and chop.
  • Make sure to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • The homemade cheese sauce actually is made from veggies, bu you can still mix in extra nutrition. Add finely diced mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the dish.
  • Prepare this ahead of time by making the cheese sauce and soak the chickpeas.
  • Save leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
  • You can also freeze for up to 3 months by sealing the cooked and cooled hamburger helper in an airtight freezer safe container.

Common Questions

How do you make Hamburger Helper better?

Add in some onion and garlic and veggies along with more seasonings to your taste.

Can I use beyond meat in Hamburger Helper?

You sure can! Plant based meats, crumbled beans or lentils, or veggies work great as a vegan option.

Can you make Hamburger Helper without hamburger meat?

Yes you can, just follow the directions and skip the meat.

What can I substitute for milk in Hamburger Helper?

Use a dairy free milk alternative or water, just know that the flavor and consistency will change a bit.

What should I make with Hamburger Helper?

Serve hamburger helper with fresh sides. Crisp salads, or veggies like broccoli, green beans, asparagus, mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini make great options.

More Vegan Family Friendly Recipes

These plant based meals have something for everyone in the family, plus they're nutritious, and easy to make!

  • Vegan Pigs in a Blanket
  • Burrito Bowl
  • Healthy Taco Salad
  • Ultimate Vegan Breakfast Burrito
  • Vegetable Bolognese
  • Vegan BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (9)

Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (10)

Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe

Sophia DeSantis

This homemade vegan hamburger helper recipe is healthy and the perfect family friendly meal. Can be made gluten free too!

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Shop Ingredients

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 296 kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces macaroni pasta , gluten free if needed
  • 2 cups Ultimate Cheese Sauce , adjust this amount to make it as cheesy you prefer it

Meaty crumble:

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Instructions

  • Chop soaked chickpeas in a food processor until you get a nice crumble.

  • Saute onion with broth or oil until it gets translucent. Add the rest of the meaty crumble ingredients and mix well.

  • Cook over low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated and the beans are cooked, stirring often. Watch closely because the beans can stick, especially if not using oil. If they begin to stick, lower heat and continue to mix.

  • Once done, add cheese sauce and mix well. You can add less or more cheese sauce to make it as cheesy as you prefer. I added 1 ½ cups

  • Meanwhile, cook your favorite pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse, then add to the hamburger cheese mix. Stir to incorporate.

  • Serve!

Notes

  • The cheese sauce recipe makes 4 cups. Save the leftovers for another use, such as nachos, plain macaroni and cheese, a dip for veggies, cheese fries, etc. It also freezes well.
  • If you use canned chickpeas, skip the broth/water and just drain and rinse about a can of chickpeas (you need around 1 ½ cups) and chop.

Tips to prep ahead:

  • Make cheese sauce. Soak chickpeas.

Baby/toddler food idea:

  • Best kid food ever. Overcook pasta for young baby and mash well.

Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 296kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 654mgPotassium: 898mgFiber: 10gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 34125IUVitamin C: 28.8mgCalcium: 117mgIron: 2.7mg

Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (11)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Sarah

    This has captured the classic flavors and textures perfectly! So excited to have another healthy family meal on hand.

    Reply

  2. Lyn

    Love this recipe and come back to it often.

    I used canned chickpeas as my small rural town doesn't have dry chickpeas. Still tastes awesome!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      I am so happy you like it Lyn!!

      Reply

  3. Lue

    Rich. Savory. Satisfying. Another winner!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Yay! So glad you liked it Lue!

      Reply

  4. Estee Hammer

    Alrighty then. Wow is how I'm going to start this off. I doubled the "meat" part and kept pasta the same. Hubby had 2 huge bowls and kept talking about the texture and flavor. This is really good!!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Estee! I just saw your post on IG!! Thank you so so much. I am so happy you love it! Cartwheel time (well, at least what a 40 year old can make of a cartwheel...LOL!).

      Reply

      • Estee Hammer

        ???
        I hear that sister!!
        What should I make next?

      • veggiesdontbite

        Haha! Oh man, hmmmm. Have you tried the buffalo wing sliders? https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/vegan-buffalo-wing-sliders-ranch-dressing/ They are from my book. I also LOVE my lasagna, it's work but man oh man is it good. Do you have an oven? https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/vegan-creamy-pesto-tomato-sausage-lasagna/ For summer my macaroni salad is popular: https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/healthy-vegan-macaroni-salad/ and I make this dip for parties and people love it, have no idea it has no dairy: https://www.veggiesdontbite.com/baked-vegan-buffalo-cauliflower-dip/

  5. Emily Kemp

    I've never tried hamburger helper before it's not something you can buy in the UK but this recipe looks to die for! Considering the packaged stuff will no doubt contain nasty ingredients I think I'll just stick with your recipe.

    Reply

  6. Commodore Allen

    Love this recipe!

    Reply

  7. Sarah

    This looks great, Sophia! It's a meal I'm sure my kids would eat (and that's now easy task!) Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

    • veggiesdontbite

      Thanks Sarah!

      Reply

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Healthy Vegan Hamburger Helper Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you use plant-based meat in Hamburger Helper? ›

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 can be used instead of milk for Hamburger Helper? ›

10 Best Milk Substitutes For Hamburger Helper
  • Condiments. • 1 Mayonnaise - blend of mayo.
  • Dairy. • 1 Buttermilk - blend of buttermilk. • 1 Half-and-half - cup.
  • Other. • Powdered milk - Reconstitute per package directions and use cup for cup.

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

For a healthier option, go with chickpea or whole wheat pasta. Broth: Rather than using water, incorporate more flavor into the recipe by cooking the helper in 4 cups of beef broth. You can use chicken broth if preferred.

What ingredients should be avoided in plant-based meat? ›

“5 Chemicals Lurking in Plant-Based Meats”:
  • Tertiary butylhydroquinone. TBHQ is a synthetic preservative that prevents discoloration in processed foods. ...
  • Magnesium carbonate. Remember when some bread was accused of having a yoga mat chemical? ...
  • Erythosine (Red #3). ...
  • Propylene glycol. ...
  • Ferric orthophosphate.
Feb 12, 2020

Are plant-based burgers healthier than meat burgers? ›

Now, for the bad news. Although plant-based burgers do not contain red meat, they have a similar number of calories and saturated fat content. They may also contain more sodium than traditional red meat beef burgers.

How to jazz up 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.

What to add to Hamburger Helper to make it taste better? ›

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

What can I substitute for beef broth if I don't have it? ›

Like beef broth, chicken broth is a kitchen staple and makes a good substitute if you are all out of the meaty broth. This savory, salty liquid has a milder flavor than beef broth but is a good one-to-one replacement. Chicken broth also has a similar nutrition profile to beef broth, low in calories and high in sodium.

How to thicken up Hamburger Helper? ›

Cheese – A whole cup of shredded cheddar cheese will add just the right amount of cheesiness to this hamburger helper recipe. Corn Starch – It'll help to thicken up the liquids and coat the macaroni and ground beef in all the cheesy goodness!

What pairs 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 put eggs in Hamburger Helper? ›

To Use: 500 g of mince add the following – 2 Tbsp hamburger helper or more depending on taste, I like heaped tablespoons. 1 egg.

What can you substitute for ground beef in Hamburger Helper? ›

Ingredients & Substitutes

Use any type of ground meat. Beef, turkey, pork, and chicken all work well. Check out these Chicken Burgers too! Sweet onion adds a robust flavor.

Can you use Beyond Meat as ground beef? ›

Our premade patties make it quick and convenient to grill up a burger, and our plant-based ground is versatile enough to use in any ground beef recipe, or can be hand-formed into your own burger patties.

Does plant-based meat count as meat? ›

Plant-based meat is produced directly from plants. Instead of relying on an animal to convert plants into meat, we can make meat more efficiently by skipping the animal and turning plant ingredients directly into meat. Like animal-based meat, plant-based meat is composed of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Is plant-based the same as veggie patty? ›

Key Differences. To make a Plant-based burger patty, certain plant parts like starch and protein get extracted and isolated. Then, those parts get combined to make a product similar to meat. Veggie burgers simply combine things like beans with vegetables using binders.

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