Copycat Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni
This is my enhanced version of Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni. Made with pasta, ground beef, onion, corn and chili seasonings all cooked on top of the stove. Add chili powder for even more flavor if you wish.
In a large pot cook the pasta according
to the package directions but only
cook to an al dente tenderness.
Save 2 cups of the pasta
water then drain the rest.
In a large skillet over medium heat cook
the ground beef and onions until no pink
remains, then remove any excess grease.
Add the tomato sauce, corn,
chili seasoning, salt and pepper.
Stir until combined.
Add the reserved pasta water, stir
to combine and bring to a boil.
Add the pasta and stir well.
Turn the burner to low. Cook
covered, stirring occasionally,
until the liquid is absorbed.
Taste and if you want more
flavor add chili powder.
Stir and then serve.
Copycat Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni
http://www.InDianesKitchen.com
Ingredients
- 1# ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 2 cups water from the cooked pasta
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1 pouch (1.25 oz.) original chili seasoning
- 14 oz. can corn
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- chili powder, to taste
Directions
- In a large pot cook the pasta according to package directions but only cook it to an al dente tenderness.
- Save 2 cups of the pasta water then drain the rest of the water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef and onions until no pink remains, drain any grease.
- To the skillet add the tomato sauce, corn, chili seasoning, salt and pepper stirring to combine.
- Add the reserved pasta water, stir and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta, turn to a low heat and cover the skillet. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
- Taste test and if you want more flavor add chili powder to taste, I always add some to mine.
- Stir and serve.
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Categories: Ground Beef, Pasta, Spices/Seasoning, Vegetables/Slaws/Salads
Interesting name for the dish Diane
Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni is a box mix sold by Betty Crocker that we can buy. It has the pasta and seasonings in it with directions to add water or milk and “hamburger” which is why they named it Hamburger Helper. They have many different kinds and they are all made on top of the stove. I used to love them until I learned how much better homemade food is!
As you know, I’m not a fan of boxed dishes. Home-made is always so much better.
It is so funny because I used to buy boxed, frozen and processed food all the time. Now I can’t stand most of them.
Good to hear
What a great-looking dish!!
Thank you so much Charlie!
This looks nice and easy, but I would forgo the corn. I also found a recipe to make my own Chili Seasoning because It is almost $2.00 for an envelope.
Have you tried it yet? I tried one a while back but my husband prefers McCormicks. I figured since I make almost everything from scratch he can win this one. Maybe I could try your recipe and not tell him and see if he notices. Lol
I haven’t tried it yet, but hope to make it this week. I will keep you posted.
Thanks!
Sounds yummy. I’ve never purchased a chili seasoning packet. Is it very spicy? I like stuff pretty mild.
McCormick chili seasoning packets come in different kinds like original, mild, hot, gluten free etc.
This looks like something that would pass the grandkid approval! I’m going to give it a try! Love that you keep my kitchen smelling of new recipes and extraordinary food options. Thanks Diane! Hugs, C
Awe I hope they like it! These kind of meals always please the kids. Thank you Cheryl. ❤️
Thank you! ❤️
That looks delicious and so hearty. I will have to try this with T! And I love that it’s homemade rather than made with the boxed ingredients. And I see again the power and usefulness of pasta water!
Yes! I never thought to put that in my recipes before but when you said you never knew it I figured other people didn’t either! Thank you Ab and have a great weekend!
Have a great weekend to you too!
This looks really good Diane and certainly jiggles the memory boxes! You could use any ground meant in this, and even the meat alternatives. I love that you added the corn.
I have made this with ground turkey before and it was delicious. The reason I added corn is I wanted a little more flavor and corn was perfect. Thank you for your nice comment Dorothy! ❤️
I love any recipe that you can swap out ingredients!
It give’s us so many more recipes tastes that way.
I think that’s one of the ways new cooks get confidence!
Oh, this would be a favorite of mine for sure Diane!
I always loved the Chili Mac Hamburger Helper but I doctored it up with chili powder. It was the only kind I really liked so I figured why not make my own. I even add more chili powder to my own bowl as Terry doesn’t like it as spicy as I do.
I always liked it – spaghetti is nice too, but Chili Mac Hamburger Helper is a favorite. My mom made her chili with cubed-up potatoes and pork and beans, not chili beans. So your recipe seemed more like traditional chili to me.
A perfect fall dish! Yum yum!
Thanks Betty and by adding the chili powder (to taste) at the end it can be made to every family’s liking.
So easy to make and tastes a whole lot better thank Hamburger Helper in a box.
Than not thank. Sorry
I agree thank you!!! ❤️
Looks and sounds delicious, Diane… I love chilli and pasta especially with corn as you say it pairs lovely with the chilli 🙂
Thank you Carol!
Another yummy dish to make. Thank you, Diane! 🙂
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You’re welcome Mitzy!
Better than store bought!
Absolutely! I’m getting to where I don’t like any processed food.
Ah, how easy is this recipe Diane! It looks so delicious (never thought of adding corn to this dish) – definitely going to try this!
Thanks so much! It needed a veggie and we love corn.
Reblogged this on Recipe Goals.
Thank you so much Leah! ❤️
I sure do appreciate you Sue! Thank you!
Thank you ❤️