Description
Discover how you can make hamburger helper without meat with our step-by-step guide. Learn easy to bake methods for the best flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cups cremini or white button mushrooms, finely diced (or 1 cup cooked brown/green lentils, or 1 cup plant-based ground)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 2 oz cream cheese (dairy or non-dairy), softened
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables or a handful of fresh spinach
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely dice onion, mushrooms, and mince garlic. Measure out all liquids, spices, and pasta.
- Build Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (3-5 min). Add garlic and mushrooms (or lentils/plant-based ground) and cook until browned (5-7 min). Stir in tomato paste and dry seasonings; cook for 1 minute.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in vegetable broth and milk, scraping pot. Bring to a simmer. Add macaroni, stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat. Stir in softened cream cheese and nutritional yeast until smooth. If using, add frozen vegetables or spinach and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins