If you’ve had a busy week and haven’t made it to the grocery store, I’ve got a winner of a ground beef dinner recipe which I can almost guarantee you’ve already got all the ingredients on hand to make!
Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper is ready in 30 minutes, made in 1 skillet, and uses fridge and pantry staples. The recipe calls for just 7 ingredients compared to the boxed version’s 27 (I counted!)
Watch How to Make It!
If you’ve been reading IGE for any length of time then you know that one of my favorite things to do is remake processed, packaged foods like Taco Seasoning, Ranch Dressing, and Seasoned Salt to make them healthier at home. Well, today Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper is joining the ranks. Heck it may even be the new captain.
All aboard!
Ok, that was cheesier than this dish, which actually doesn’t have that much cheese and is still yummy even if you want to leave it out. Ground beef is seasoned with homemade taco seasoning then 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 toppings like salsa, avocado, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
If your family likes quick, easy and satisfying meals, then they will absolutely gobble this one up!
How to Make this Recipe
Start by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat with chopped shallot or onion. Drain then return to the skillet.
Next sprinkle in taco seasoning (either this single packet recipe, or 1-1/2 Tablespoons of my large batch taco seasoning, or a taco seasoning packet). Add the whole thing but don’t use the water that’s called for in the seasoning recipe or on the packet.
Next add your favorite salsa plus chicken broth then turn the heat up to high and bring to a boil.
Once boiling 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.
Remove the skillet from the heat then stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until creamy and melted. Place a lid on top then let the rice continue to steam 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, totally yummy meal to your friends or family knowing it didn’t come from a preservative-filled box, right? And it was so easy, too – like I said, 30 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy!
More One Pan Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Beef and Veggie Enchilada Skillet
- One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie
- American Goulash
- Italian Rice Ball Skillet
- Cheesy Chicken Burrito Skillet
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Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper
Description
Homemade Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper is much healthier than the boxed version. Made in just 1 skillet and ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 1 taco seasoning packet OR 1 batch homemade taco seasoning (see notes), do not add water
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1-3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup long grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Toppings: tortilla chips, salsa, sliced avocado, chopped green onions
Directions
- Brown ground beef with shallot in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain then return to the skillet. Add taco seasoning, salsa, and chicken broth then bring to a boil. Stir in rice then place a lid on top and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender then remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Place lid back on the skillet then let sit for 5 minutes before serving with toppings.
Notes
- For the taco seasoning: Use my single packet recipe, or 1-1/2 Tablespoons of my large batch homemade taco seasoning recipe.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Debtgirl 03.24.2014
Can’t wait to hear about your trip here! This rice looks amazing!
Jessie 03.24.2014
Made this tonight…and it was great. My three kids and husband really liked it. I didn’t have a lot of time, but was able to do the prep, cook, and eat in less than an hour!
Will be making again!
Bri | Bites of Bri 03.24.2014
Kristin, Your weekend in Seattle looked like so much fun! I followed along on instagram and cannot wait for the scoop! That cocktail!!!!!
Kim @FITsique 03.24.2014
Yum! This brings back such memories. Growing up my dad made hamburger helper ALL the time when my mom was at work. Its one of those things I don’t eat anymore but the thought brings back comforting memories. I love the healthy option!
Kim 03.24.2014
For some reason my boys love Hamburger Helper meals – I’ve never been a big fan so will definitely give this recipe a try – then everyone can be happy!!
JennP 03.24.2014
Ah, pinning for later this week! This is the kind of dish that makes my husband a little less pouty about his gluten intolerance :)
Kim 03.24.2014
This will be on the menu for next week. Looks delicious and easy!
FIONA BROOKS 03.24.2014
that loooosss soooo yummy! Ill have to try it!!
FIONA
Kaysha Comfort 03.24.2014
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
Jackie 03.24.2014
This is a winner in my book I will try it this weekend!
Danica @ It's Progression 03.24.2014
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.
Meredith 03.24.2014
Yum, thanks for the easy recipe! I love that it only requires one pan as well:)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl 03.24.2014
I am totally going to try and make a vegan version of this. I bet it would be awesome with soyrizo!
Danielle 03.24.2014
Looks yummy! Love your other hamburger helper recipe, my husband requests it all the time!
Can you use quick cooking rice?
Kristin 03.24.2014
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!
Stephanie 03.24.2014
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!
Dena 03.24.2014
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!
Laura S 03.24.2014
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
Kristin 03.24.2014
This was a fantastic read – thank you so much! Going to try those chocolate chip cookies this weekend! :)
Elizabeth {Positively Healthy} 03.24.2014
Loving quick and delicious meals! This totally looks like a meal the husband will love! Pinning!
Lauren 03.24.2014
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!
Kristin 03.24.2014
Thank YOU, Lauren, for such a kind note. It made my day! :)
Chelsea @ Delipsch 03.24.2014
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!