One pot, 25 minutes, and it tastes like the boxed version never existed. This vegan hamburger helper is creamy, cheesy, and packed with pasta and vegan ground. It's comfort food that actually comes together on a weeknight.
This meatless Hamburger Helper is a vegan twist on the classic dish many grew up with. Whether you know it as cheeseburger macaroni or remember the boxed version of Hamburger Helper, this recipe captures all the nostalgic flavors.
I set out to recreate the taste and convenience of the original while making it perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or even packing into lunches. For more inspiration, check out 20+ Vegan Lunch Box Ideas to make your weekday meals a breeze.
If you're a fan of recreating your favorites at home, be sure to try our Vegan Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie (BJ's Copycat) or Vegan Tuna Sandwich. These copycat recipes bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One pot, done in 25 minutes
- Customizable - swap the protein, add veggies, go gluten-free
- Great for meal prep, so it tastes even better the next day
- Creamy, cheesy, and kid-approved.
- This is a one-pot meal that comes together quickly.
- 24g of protein per serving - surprisingly filling
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card for measurements.
- Vegan Ground Meat: For the closest vegan ground beef to traditional ground beef, use Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat, found in most major grocery chains nowadays.
- Vegan Cheddar: When incorporating vegan cheddar cheese into this dish, I like using the Violife cheddar shreds.
- Garlic Powder: If you've cooked anything else from Nuts & Twigs, you know I'm a raw garlic devotee. But for this dish, garlic powder is the hero of this speedy, tasty meal. If you're ambitious and want to show off your knife skills, sub in three minced garlic cloves.
- Chili Powder: Not all chili powders are created equal - the proportions of spices vary, creating a range of flavors from smoky and sweet to fiery and bold, so each one brings its own unique magic to your dish. Explore to find one you love.
Variations
- Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra boost of veggies.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a hint of heat.
- Try using gluten-free, whole-wheat, or even spiralized veggies, such as zucchini noodles. Cooking times will vary, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
How To Make Vegan Hamburger Helper
See the recipe card for details.
Step 1 - Sauté the onion: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced onion in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2 - Cook the vegan ground: Add the plant-based ground to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it into bite-sized chunks. Stir often to avoid sticking.
Step 3 - Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until well incorporated.
Step 4 - Add spices and cornstarch: Sprinkle in the cornstarch, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir and cook for another minute.
Step 5 - Add pasta and broth: Pour in the broth, stir, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, reduce the heat to a high simmer, and cook according to package directions, altering the time as necessary.
Step 6 - Season: Add salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. If using, stir in grated vegan cheddar until melted.
Recipe Tips
- I've noticed that the smaller pasta shapes, like small elbows and shells, are like little broth-sucking sponges and will need the liquid recommended in this recipe to cook properly. Meanwhile, the larger or denser pasta shapes, like rigatoni or fusilli, take a little more time to cook and hold their shape better, so they need a little less broth. Use about ½ cup less if using these later, denser pastas. Keep an eye on the pot, and be ready to add more broth if it looks like your pasta's getting parched before it's fully cooked.
- Choose a high-quality plant-based ground meat for the best flavor and texture. We use Beyond Ground Beef.
- Cook the pasta until it's al dente because it'll keep cooking a bit more once it's mixed with the sauce and hanging out in the warm pot.
- To prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, stir frequently during cooking.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day, so consider making a double batch!
Make Ahead Tip
This vegan Hamburger Helper is perfect for kids' lunch boxes and grownups on the go, too-it's tasty and filling! For more ideas for kid lunches, visit Vegan School Lunch Ideas for Kids.
Serving Suggestions
This meal is tasty but lacks a little bit of color to me, so I always serve it with something on the side. Here are some ideas:
- Pair your Vegan Hamburger Helper with a simple Strawberry Avocado Salad.
- Complement the dish with a side of roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Vegan Parmesan.
- Add a side of tangy pickles. Yep! Pickles to balance the savory flavors.
- Offer a variety of hot sauces for those who like a little extra kick.
- Lightly steamed greens like kale or spinach add a nutritious and colorful side.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftover hamburger helper in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Microwave a portion in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on 50% for a few minutes, stirring halfway. If the sauce has absorbed too much, add a couple of tablespoons of veggie broth and stir until warm.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of vegetable broth if it has thickened.
Vegan Hamburger Helper FAQS
While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary with different pasta shapes. As I state in the recipe, you may need slightly less water for larger pasta shapes like rigatoni, so adjust as needed.
Simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the broth ingredients as well to ensure they are gluten-free. Check the cooking times and adjust the liquid levels if needed.
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch. These alternatives will help thicken the sauce just as well.
If the pasta looks dry before it's fully cooked, add a bit more broth, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Yes, lentils or crumbled tempeh are great swaps and more budget-friendly. Cook time stays the same.
Recipe Card
Vegan Hamburger Helper
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 16-ounce package plant-based ground Beyond Meat/Impossible Ground
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 16-ounce box elbow macaroni
- 5 ½ cups veggie broth*
- 7-8 ounces grated vegan cheddar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Plant-Based Ground: Add the plant-based ground to the pot with the onions and cook until browned. Break it apart by cutting into it with your utensil until you get small bite-sized chunks. Stir often.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it's well incorporated with the onions and vegan ground beef.
- Add Spices and Cornstarch: Sprinkle in the cornstarch, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir well to combine and cook for another minute.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Reduce heat to a high simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Simmer, uncovered, for about 9 minutes (this may vary, so check your package directions), stirring often so the pasta does not stick to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Season: Add the salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Optional Vegan Cheddar: If using, stir in the grated vegan cheddar until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Vegan Hamburger Helper! See the post for serving suggestions.
Luke says
This is FANTASTIC!!!
Regi Pearce says
Thanks, Luke! Glad you like it and are able to make it at your place!
BJ Davis says
Wow, Reg. This was delicious...seriously loved it and the kids loved it too. It tastes super close to the original and I think we're going to try to make it with the TVP instead next time. Thanks for the recipe!
Regi Pearce says
Hey BJ! Thanks for the lovely comment. Glad you and the kids liked it. Let me know how it goes with the TVP.