What to Eat With Hamburger Helper?
When it comes to pairing with Hamburger Helper, there are a variety of delicious options to choose from.
Some great choices include mac and cheese, tater tots, blooming onion, zucchini noodles, baked ziti, bacon-wrapped asparagus, garlic bread, green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, cheddar biscuits, corn on the cob, wedge salad, and hush puppies.
These side dishes complement the flavors of the Hamburger Helper and provide a satisfying and enjoyable meal.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Contrary to popular belief, Hamburger Helper was actually created by a team of food scientists working for the Betty Crocker brand in the early 1970s.
2. The original concept for Hamburger Helper came about when an employee at General Mills, the company that owns the Betty Crocker brand, realized that adding a starch to ground beef made the meal more filling and satisfying.
3. While Hamburger Helper is often associated with ground beef, it can also be made with other proteins such as turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian substitutes like tofu or lentils.
4. Did you know that Hamburger Helper was briefly known as “Chicken Helper” in the early 1980s? This variation was created to cater to consumers’ increasing interest in chicken as a healthier alternative to red meat at the time.
5. One little-known fact about Hamburger Helper is that its advertising jingle, which came to be known as “Hamburger Helper Rocks,” was actually performed by a band composed entirely of General Mills executives. The jingle gained popularity and was even released as a standalone song in 1997.
Tasty Tater Tots
Tater tots are the perfect accompaniment to Hamburger Helper’s creamy mac and cheese. These crispy potato bites offer a satisfying crunch and a soft, fluffy interior that pairs wonderfully with the rich and cheesy pasta dish. To elevate the flavor of your tater tots, try sprinkling some grated cheddar cheese on top before baking them in the oven. This will create a melty and indulgent cheesy crust that complements the mac and cheese perfectly.
Additionally, you can get creative with your tater tots by adding various toppings. For a spicy kick, drizzle some Sriracha sauce on top or sprinkle them with chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist. If you prefer a tangy flavor, you can serve your tater tots with a side of ranch dressing or ketchup. The possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure – tater tots are a fantastic choice to accompany Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top for a melty and indulgent cheesy crust.
- Drizzle Sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Serve with ranch dressing or ketchup for a tangy flavor.
Unique Veggie Pairings
If you’re looking to add some healthy and vibrant options to your meal, consider pairing Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese with zucchini noodles or roasted Brussels sprouts.
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Zucchini noodles offer a refreshing alternative to traditional pasta and provide a lighter, low-carb option. They can be quickly sautéed or steamed, preserving their crispness and enhancing their natural flavor.
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On the other hand, roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful combination of earthiness and slight caramelization to the table. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and golden brown. This roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and complements the savory taste of the mac and cheese.
Bacon-Wrapped Deliciousness
For those seeking a touch of indulgence, bacon-wrapped asparagus is an excellent option to pair with Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese. The smoky and savory flavor of the bacon adds a delightful contrast to the creamy and cheesy pasta dish. To prepare this delectable side dish:
- Simply wrap a strip of bacon around a few asparagus spears
- Bake them until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
Alternatively, you can try bacon-wrapped stuffed mushrooms. Here’s how to make them:
- Fill large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and chopped bacon.
- Wrap each mushroom with a strip of bacon.
- Bake until the bacon is crisp and the filling is bubbly.
This combination of flavors and textures will take your Hamburger Helper meal to a whole new level of deliciousness.
“A touch of indulgence for your Hamburger Helper meal.”
Satisfying Side Dishes
When it comes to satisfying side dishes that complement Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese, baked ziti and garlic bread are classics that never disappoint. Baked ziti is a hearty and cheesy pasta dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese. Its rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and flavorful spices create a comforting and mouthwatering experience.
To complete your meal, serve it with some warm and buttery garlic bread. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the bread, combined with the aromatic garlic and herbs, are the perfect addition to Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese. Whether you choose to make your garlic bread from scratch or opt for the convenience of store-bought, this side dish will make your meal complete.
Fresh And Flavorful Salads
For those looking to add some freshness and crunch to their Hamburger Helper meal, green beans and coleslaw are fantastic options. Green beans, whether steamed or sautéed with garlic and olive oil, provide a vibrant and nutritious addition to the plate. They add a pop of color and a crisp texture that complements the creamy pasta dish.
Coleslaw, with its tangy and crunchy cabbage, is another refreshing choice. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing is the perfect contrast to the rich and cheesy mac and cheese. Whether you prefer a classic creamy coleslaw or a tangy vinegar-based one, it will add a refreshing element to your meal.
Classic Comfort Foods
When it comes to classic comfort foods, a few dishes instantly come to mind: sweet potato fries, cheddar biscuits, and corn on the cob. Not only are sweet potato fries a healthier alternative to regular fries, but they also bring a delightful blend of sweetness and savory flavors to the table. Their crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the mac and cheese.
Now, let’s talk about cheddar biscuits. These buttery and cheesy biscuits are a fantastic addition to any Hamburger Helper meal. Their flaky texture and rich flavor pair perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese. For an extra indulgence, you can spread a pat of butter or some cream cheese on top.
Moving on to corn on the cob, it’s a classic choice that beautifully complements the flavors of Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese. Whether you prefer it grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn on the cob brings a burst of freshness and adds a delightful pop of color to your plate.
And that’s not all! There are plenty of other ingenious side dishes that can enhance Hamburger Helper’s mac and cheese. From crispy tater tots to unique veggie pairings, bacon-wrapped deliciousness, satisfying side dishes, fresh and flavorful salads, and classical comfort foods, the options are endless. So, the next time you have Hamburger Helper, consider experimenting with these side dishes to elevate your meal and create a memorable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good side to go with Hamburger Helper?
One tasty option to pair with Hamburger Helper is a fresh and crisp garden salad. The combination of the rich flavors from the Hamburger Helper and the vibrant, leafy greens of the salad creates a delightful contrast that will satisfy your taste buds. Plus, the salad offers a refreshing and nutritious addition to the meal.
Alternatively, you could also consider serving Hamburger Helper with some roasted vegetables. The savory flavors of the Hamburger Helper complement the rich and caramelized flavors of roasted veggies, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The combination of tender vegetables and flavorful meat creates a dynamic and delicious fusion that will surely please your palate.
What should I add to Hamburger Helper?
For an extra burst of flavor in your Hamburger Helper, try adding one red bell pepper (diced) to the mix. The sweet and slightly tangy taste of the bell pepper will complement the other ingredients and add a delightful crunch to the dish. Additionally, consider adding a handful of fresh basil leaves (chopped) to give your Hamburger Helper a hint of aromatic herbaceousness. The basil will lend a refreshing and fragrant note, elevating the overall taste and bringing a touch of sophistication to the meal.
Is Hamburger Helper good or bad for you?
Hamburger Helper can be a convenient and tasty meal option; however, it is important to be mindful of its nutritional implications. The high sodium content in boxed Hamburger Helper raises concerns, as it contains 550 milligrams of sodium in the mix alone and nearly 990 milligrams once prepared. This exceeds the recommended daily sodium intake suggested by the American Heart Association. Therefore, while Hamburger Helper may provide a quick and satisfying meal, it is essential to consider the potential negative impact of its high sodium content on one’s health.
Why do people use Hamburger Helper?
People choose to use Hamburger Helper for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it allows families to make the most out of a pound of meat, providing an economical solution to stretching their food budget. By adding the Hamburger Helper mix, families can transform a simple pound of hamburger into a satisfying dinner for five, offering great value for their money.
Additionally, Hamburger Helper offers convenience and simplicity in meal preparation. With just one pan and one package, even the most novice cooks can create a delicious and hearty meal in no time. This makes it an attractive option for busy families who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Furthermore, the variety of flavors available ensures that there is something for everyone, making it a crowd-pleaser enjoyed by the entire family.