08/30/2026
🍽️ FROM THE PANTRY TO THE TABLE
5 Ways to Stretch Hamburger Helper
We often have packages of Hamburger Helper available at the pantry. While they’re an easy meal on their own, a few extra ingredients can turn them into something a little more filling! Here are five easy ideas to help stretch a meal, add more to the plate, and make the most of what you already have on hand.
🥓 Beef & Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
• 1 package beef pasta Hamburger Helper
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3–4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 packet ranch seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 can corn, drained
• 1/2 can peas, drained
• Milk and water called for on the package
Directions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain.
2. Prepare the Hamburger Helper according to the package directions.
3. Stir in the ranch seasoning and crumbled bacon.
4. Add the corn and peas and cook until heated through.
5. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
6. Serve warm.
💡 Pantry Tip: Canned vegetables are an easy way to add more to the meal without adding a lot of extra cost. Use corn, peas, or any other canned vegetables you have on hand.
🍔 California Cheeseburger Skillet
Ingredients
• 1 package cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1–2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickles, chopped, optional
Directions
1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain.
2. Prepare the Hamburger Helper according to the package directions.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and cheddar cheese.
4. Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard together.
5. Spoon the beef and pasta into bowls and drizzle with the sauce.
6. Top with lettuce and pickles.
💡 Pantry Tip: Use whatever burger toppings or vegetables you have available.
🌶️ Chili-Mac Soup
Ingredients
• 1 package beef Hamburger Helper
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can kidney or pinto beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 3–4 cups water or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Shredded cheese, optional
Directions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot and drain.
2. Prepare the Hamburger Helper according to the package directions.
3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water or broth, and seasonings.
4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
5. Add more water or broth if needed.
6. Top with shredded cheese, if desired.
💡 Pantry Tip: Beans and canned tomatoes help stretch a meal into a hearty pot of soup.
🐟 Cheesy Tuna & Vegetable Skillet
Ingredients
• 1 package Tuna Helper
• 2 cans tuna, drained
• 1 can peas, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Milk and water called for on the package
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, optional
Directions
1. Prepare the Tuna Helper according to the package directions.
2. Stir in the tuna, peas, and corn.
3. Add garlic and onion powder, if using.
4. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
5. Stir together and serve warm.
💡 Pantry Tip: You can easily change this recipe up! Use canned tuna or swap it out for canned chicken. You can also use whatever canned vegetables you have on hand.
🍲 Corn & Green Bean Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients
• 1 package beef stroganoff Hamburger Helper
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can green beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1/2 cup sour cream, optional
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese, optional
• Milk and water called for on the package
Directions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain.
2. Prepare the Hamburger Helper according to the package directions.
3. Stir in the green beans and corn and cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, if using.
5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, cover, and let it melt.
6. Serve warm.
💡 Pantry Tip: No sour cream? No problem! This recipe is still delicious without it. You can also use a little extra cheese to make it creamy and cheesy.
❤️ A few extra ingredients can go a long way! Get creative, use what you have, and turn a simple meal into something the whole family can enjoy.
