Green Chile Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

Green Chile Hamburger Helper is a quick and comforting one-pan meal that combines ground beef, tender pasta, and flavorful green chiles. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings a spicy kick to a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup diced green chiles (canned or roasted fresh)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pasta (elbows, penne, or macaroni)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onions over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the beef and onions.
4. Step 4: Add pasta, beef broth, milk, and diced green chiles to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Cover the skillet and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Step 7: Let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hotter green chiles.
• Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use different pasta shapes you have on hand, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Adding a splash of lime juice just before serving brightens the flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a little liquid to restore creaminess.

What can I use if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can substitute tomato sauce or ketchup in a pinch, but reduce any added liquids slightly to maintain the right consistency and flavor.

Green Chile Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 108 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Green Chile Hamburger Helper is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with diced green chiles and robust spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines the comforting taste of classic Hamburger Helper with a spicy southwestern twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pasta (elbows, penne, or macaroni)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup diced green chiles (canned or roasted fresh)

Spices and Additions

• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onions over medium heat until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain any excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy final dish.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain a fresh garlic flavor.
3. Add the Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to coat the beef mixture evenly. This step enhances the depth of flavor with a smoky, spicy profile.
4. Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add the pasta, beef broth, milk, and diced green chiles to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
5. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked through and tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Incorporate the Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a creamy, cheesy texture that binds the dish together.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly before serving hot to enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture at their best.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, use roasted fresh green chiles instead of canned.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Use lactose-free milk or a plant-based alternative for a lactose-free version.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southwestern

Keywords: Green Chile Hamburger Helper, ground beef pasta, cheesy hamburger helper, easy weeknight dinner, spicy skillet meal