I made a homemade version of Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper that was not only easy, it had much better ingredients than what you find in a box. I loved that the recipe was super easy and I made it all in one pan! So, I decided to modify the recipe by spicing it up with Taco Seasoning, chopped veggies and melted cheese. It turned out great! My son said it tasted like my enchiladas. I thought it tasted similar to a taco pie. Either way, this is easy and is going to be part of a regular rotation– especially on a busy work night!
When I made the recipe for Homemade Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper, it was a big hit with my family. I was reminiscing how my my mother used to buy a Mexican-themed one. It’s been a very long time, but I remember a taco-style flavor to the beef.
I thought I’d tinker with the recipe and see if I could adapt this with a Mexican/Southwestern theme and see if I could create my own version of my childhood memory.
I discovered Avocado Oil at Trader Joe’s and like using it in lieu of olive oil, because it has a higher smoke point. If you ever spot it, buy some! It’s great. Once I browned the ground beef, I added a chopped onion and red bell pepper.
I love black olives, so a drained canned of those was added to the mix. Some taco seasoning (I make my own but packaged is fine), tomato paste would give some color and flavor the sauce.
I always keep a can of mild diced green chiles in my pantry. They are very mild, since I’m sensitive to really hot peppers. Okay, then, we mix this right up…
Taco-Mex Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Pot Wonder)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil you can substitute olive or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cups corn frozen is fine
- 1 small can sliced black olives (optional)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 4-ounce can diced mild green chiles
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning about 1 packet
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 3/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups dried elbow macaroni pasta can substitute whole wheat if desired
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (medium or sharp, your choice)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese shredded (you could use Pepper Jack)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until no pink remains.
- Add the onions and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.Add the corn, green chilis and olives (if using) and combine well.
- Stir in the tomato paste, olives, corn, taco seasoning and flour.
- Pour in the milk and broth and stir.
- Stir in the macaroni.
- Bring to a boil then reduce to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the macaroni is done. (For al dente check after 9 minutes.)
- Stir in the cheeses until melted.
- Serve immediately garnished with some chopped fresh cilantro and sour cream if desired.
- Reheats well.
Love those one pot meals and this one has a little of everything.
My husband John lived on those box meals in college. I will make this for him this week and help him relive those glory days! Remember tuna helper too???! Haha
Yum! I love these one pan dishes like American Chop Suey that I was brought up on. Pure comfort food. Any chance you could post your taco seasoning mix? I cannot seem to find one I like, and the package ones taste like pure salt. I'm betting yours is worth trying. Thanks!
I could not find your taco seasoning mix in your recipes. Please tell me where to find, have been trying to make my own.