Can I use a different type of pasta for vegan Hamburger Helper?

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.

Can I make this gluten-free?

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.

What can I use if I don't have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch. These alternatives will help thicken the sauce just as well.

What if my pasta is soaking up the water before it's cooked?

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.

Can I use healthier ground alternatives?

Of course, but it won't taste like hamburger helper. If you use healthier alternatives like TVP, make sure to weigh the 16 ounces requested when rehydrated- about 7 ounces dry. You can also use tofu or tempeh crumbles. However, these will alter the flavor significantly and will not be the same flavor intended in the recipe.

Vegan Hamburger Helper

Description

Get ready for an easy and quick meal with our Vegan Hamburger Helper! This one-pot wonder is packed with hearty pasta, savory plant-based "meat," and a creamy, dreamy sauce that'll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 16-ounce package of plant-based ground (Beyond Meat/Impossible Ground)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
16 ounces elbow macaroni (1 pound)
5 1/2 cups broth*
7-8 ounces of grated vegan cheddar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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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 occasionally, 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.

Equipment

Lodge Cast Iron Pot

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Notes

*Smaller pasta shapes, like elbows and shells, soak up broth fast and need more liquid, like the 5 1/2 cups I use in this recipe. Larger shapes, like rigatoni or fusilli, need less, so start with 5 cups. The 5 1/2 cups in this recipe are needed to cook a 16-ounce box of small Barilla elbows.

For the best flavor and texture, use plant-based ground meat like Beyond Ground Beef or Impossible Meat found in most major grocery chains. Other plant-based grounds may not provide the same taste that closely mimics Hamburger Helper.

Cook pasta until al dente; it will continue cooking a little in the sauce.

Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day—make a double batch!

Nutritional information is only an estimate.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: stove top
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 628
Sugar: 7.7 g
Sodium: 1386.5 mg
Fat: 11.7 g
Carbohydrates: 134.7 g
Protein: 13.8 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg