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 your whole family will enjoy. We'll cover variations and answer common questions to make your Chili Mac experience the best it can be.
What's in a Box of Hamburger Helper Chili Mac?
Before diving into the recipe enhancements, let's look at what you'll find in a standard box of Hamburger Helper Chili Mac. Typically, it includes a seasoned blend of spices, dried pasta (usually elbow macaroni), and sometimes additional ingredients like dehydrated vegetables. This forms the base for the dish, providing the characteristic chili flavor and the starchy, comforting texture of the pasta.
My Improved Hamburger Helper Chili Mac Recipe
This recipe builds on the base of the Hamburger Helper mix, adding fresh ingredients for a richer, more flavorful experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained (optional, for extra heartiness)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 package Hamburger Helper Chili Mac
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), kidney beans, pinto beans (if using), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the Helper: Stir in the contents of the Hamburger Helper package according to package directions. Typically, this involves adding the pasta and seasoning blend directly to the simmering sauce.
- Cook the pasta: Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Add a little more broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
How Can I Make Hamburger Helper Chili Mac Healthier?
Many people wonder how to make Hamburger Helper Chili Mac a healthier option. Here are a few tips:
- Leaner ground beef: Opt for leaner ground beef (90/10 or even 93/7) to reduce fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate extra vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini to increase nutritional value.
- Whole wheat pasta: Use whole wheat pasta instead of the pasta included in the package for added fiber.
- Reduce sodium: Be mindful of sodium content by using low-sodium beef broth and reducing the amount of salt added.
Can I Make Hamburger Helper Chili Mac in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! For a hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as instructed above. Then, transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The pasta will likely need a bit more cooking time in the slow cooker, so check for doneness before serving.
What are some variations of Hamburger Helper Chili Mac?
There are many delicious variations you can try:
- Spicy Chili Mac: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheesy Chili Mac: Add more cheese! Experiment with different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled vegetarian sausage.
By following this recipe and experimenting with variations, you can create a delicious and satisfying Hamburger Helper Chili Mac that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. Enjoy!
