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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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