Hamburger Helper is a Classic Inexpensive Staple

The packaged pasta brand "Hamburger Helper" was introduced by General Mills in response to a meat shortage and rising meat prices in the 1970s. In 2005, Food Network rated it third on its list of "Top Five Fad Foods of 1970."

Hamburger Helper Today

Hamburger Helper is a boxed meal kit that typically includes pasta, a seasoning packet, and sometimes a sauce mix. The idea is simple: brown some ground beef, add the contents of the box, along with water or milk, and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened. It’s a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup, making it a popular choice for busy families.

Hamburger Helper is Inexpensive

Hamburger Helper is a classic that has been around for more than five decades. While many foods have increased in prices over the years, Hamburger Helper remains very inexpensive.

Sales of the meal are increasing not just for nostalgia, but because of inflation and rising grocery bills. That's why families are increasingly turning to budget-friendly meal solutions like Hamburger Helper.

Grocery prices remain high, prompting more Americans to choose Hamburger Helper, a classic, shelf-stable and budget-friendly dinner.

My Recent Hamburger Helper Purchase

The boxed meals that have filled grocery store shelves over the years are still among the least expensive foods you can buy and enjoy. When Hamburger Helper first became available, there were only about five options.

Now, there are at least 17 different brands of Hamburger Helper on grocery shelves. I just bought three boxes of different flavors from Walmart. The price was only $1.48 each, which made 4 servings for the Deluxe Beef Stroganoff, 4.5 servings for the Beef Pasta, and 5 servings for the Deluxe Philly Cheesesteak. Some flavors that I haven't purchased yet have 6 servings.

I recommend Hamburger Helper to others because I have tried it, and I am completely satisfied with the meal. I had not prepared it since I was growing up in a poor household when the meal was affordable. Now, I eat it for nostalgia in addition to the positive reasons listed below.

• $1.48 per box
• 17 flavors to choose from
• all ingredients in one box except ground beef
• easy preparation
• cooking in one pan
• can customize it by adding other seasonings, vegetables, or cheese for extra flavor
• entire families love it
• easy cleanup
• it's filling
• it's delicious

I cannot think of anything I do not like about Hamburger Helper. Therefore, I recommend it to busy cooks who don't want to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a meal for their families, who want to shop on a budget, who want to enjoy a delicious meal, and those who favor the quick cleanup time.

Hamburger Helper Cooking Instruction

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
2. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the contents of the Hamburger Helper box to the skillet, along with the specified amount of water and milk.
4. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for the time specified on the box, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve it to your family and welcome the compliments.

Be Creative

Hamburger Helper is a versatile meal option that can be customized to suit any taste preferences.

Feel free to get creative with your Hamburger Helper by adding extra ingredients like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, carrots, green peas, or shredded cheese. You can also experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor.