Break up with the box! Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper squashes the craving for something hearty and satisfying in a much healthier way than store-bought hamburger helper. This quick and easy one-pan, 30 minute meal is made from a handful of everyday ingredients and is a true family favorite.
“I’ve been making this recipe for a few years now. My whole family loves it! It’s simple, straight forward ingredients I always have on hand, and delicious. Definitely a recipe that should be added to your rotation.”
If you’ve had a busy week and didn’t made it to the grocery store, my Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper is an easy ground beef dinner recipe made with ingredients I can almost guarantee you already have on hand.
Made in 1 pan, ready in 30 minutes, plus the recipe calls for just 7 ingredients (compared to the boxed version’s 27 – yes, I counted), my family inhales this “taco rice” for dinner every single time I make it!
Watch How to Make It
Healthier Homemade Hamburger Helper
One of my favorite things to do is remake processed, packaged foods to make them healthier at home.
Today Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper is joining the ranks. Heck it may even be the new captain.
All aboard!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItOk, that was cheesier than this delicious dish which features ground beef seasoned with homemade taco seasoning that’s simmered with long grain white rice and chicken broth until tender.
Freshly shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in at the end then the whole dish is topped with taco-inspired extras like salsa, avocado, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
If your family likes quick, easy and satisfying meals – and tacos, of course! – they will gobble this one up.
How to Make this Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef.
Start by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat with chopped shallot or onion. Drain away any excess fat in a colander then return the beef to the skillet.
Step 2: Season with taco seasoning.
Next sprinkle in taco seasoning. I recommend my single packet recipe, or 2 Tablespoons of my large batch taco seasoning. A store-bought taco seasoning packet is fine too.
Recipe Note
Whichever seasoning you use, do not add the water that’s called for in the seasoning recipe or on the packet.
Step 3: Add the liquid.
Next add your favorite salsa plus chicken broth then turn the heat up to high and bring the liquid to a simmer.
Step 4: Add the rice then simmer.
Once simmering, stir in long-grain white rice then place a lid on top, turn the heat down to low, and cook until the rice is tender and all the liquid is nearly absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in shredded cheese then serve.
Remove the skillet from the heat then stir in freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth and melted. Place a lid on top then let the rice continue to steam and soften for 5 minutes.
When time is up, scoop the homemade taco hamburger helper onto plates then add your toppings and dig in.
Just think of how much better you’ll feel serving this hearty meal to your family knowing it didn’t come from a preservative-filled box. Plus it’s so easy – like I said, 30 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy!
More One Pan Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Beef and Veggie Enchilada Skillet
- One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- American Goulash
- Italian Rice Ball Skillet
- Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet
- Creamy Summer Veggie Gnocchi Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1 recipe homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1-3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice, Lundberg recommended
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Toppings: tortilla chips, salsa, sliced avocado, chopped green onions
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and shallot or onion then brown the beef until cooked through. Drain in a colander then return the mixture to the skillet. Add the taco seasoning, salsa, and chicken broth then stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the rice, stir to combine, place a lid on top of the skillet, then turn the heat to low – the liquid should barely be bubbling. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender then remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the cheese on top, and stir until smooth and melted. Place the lid back on top then let sit for 5 minutes before serving with toppings.
Notes
- For the taco seasoning: use my single packet recipe, 2 Tablespoons of my large batch homemade taco seasoning, or a store-bought taco seasoning packet.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
that loooosss soooo yummy! Ill have to try it!!
FIONA
Ummm…Let me start out by saying, you rock! I love me some taco anything. This looks quick, easy, and delicious…that’s the perfect combination. Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe, I will surely be making it soon!
That Comfort Girl
This is a winner in my book I will try it this weekend!
This looks great! My husband and I used to eat actual hamburger helper in our early years of college…we’ve learned a LOT about nutrition since then, and we can afford real food ;) but I’m pretty sure he’d love to have this for dinner sometime.
Yum, thanks for the easy recipe! I love that it only requires one pan as well:)
I am totally going to try and make a vegan version of this. I bet it would be awesome with soyrizo!
Looks yummy! Love your other hamburger helper recipe, my husband requests it all the time!
Can you use quick cooking rice?
I’ve never used quick cooking rice, but I bet you probably wouldn’t need to use as much chicken broth. I’d check the package and use what it calls for!
This just saved dinner tonight! :) I am a huge fan of your homemade version of Hamburger Helper, and this sounds like a great dish too!
I realize I’m just taking up space with this comment, but had to say I laughed out loud when you crossed out the word “chicken”. hahaha. Thanks for the laugh!
I’m sure you are sick to death of gluten free recommendations but I listened to this last week and found the science behind baking gluten free really interesting. Also, there are some good tips for cooking with brown rice – baking it is actually better!
http://www.npr.org/2014/03/20/291873792/test-kitchen-have-your-gluten-free-cake-and-love-eating-it-too
This was a fantastic read – thank you so much! Going to try those chocolate chip cookies this weekend! :)
Loving quick and delicious meals! This totally looks like a meal the husband will love! Pinning!
Hi Kristin,
I have been reading your blog for years (which seems weird to say!). I don’t ever comment but just had to tell you that I LOVE your blog and your recipes! Lincoln is adorable and you seem like such a sweet, genuine person. Anyways … I just wanted to say thanks. Many of your recipes are staples in our house … chicken and wild rice soup, lettuce wraps, and lately the man-pleasing chicken! I have loved every recipe of yours we have tried. I am so sorry to hear about your new celiac diagnosis! My husband cannot eat wheat either, so selfishly I am sort of glad for the recipes to come :). Thanks for all the work you put into your blog/recipes!
Thank YOU, Lauren, for such a kind note. It made my day! :)
I am s softie for anything mexican. It is one of those foods and always tastes good! Thanks for posting your taco seasoning blend-I am a big fan of making your own blends (so much cheaper!) Another great recipe too, thanks!