This Green Chile Hamburger Helper is a homemade twist on the classic boxed dinner—with a flavorful Southwestern kick. Featuring ground beef, green chile, tender pasta, and melty cheddar cheese, this one-pot wonder is rich, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy.
Inspired by weeknight meals my mom used to make when we were short on time but big on hunger, this version adds bold flavor with green chile and a homemade touch that’s fresher and more satisfying than anything from a box.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-Pot Magic – Easy cleanup and minimal prep
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Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry and fridge staples
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Full of Flavor – Green chile, cheddar, garlic, and tomato paste bring the heat and depth
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Kid-Approved & Grown-Up Friendly – A nostalgic classic made better
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
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1 lb extra lean ground beef (90% or higher)
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½ medium onion, chopped
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2 heaping tbsp tomato paste
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 cup green chile (canned or roasted, mild or spicy)
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1 cup uncooked pasta (elbow or small shells work best)
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3 cups beef broth
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2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large soup pot, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until browned.
Break up the beef as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain most of it out.
2. Add Flavor
Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, and green chile.
Cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
3. Add Broth & Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, stir in the uncooked pasta.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 13–15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Finish with Cheese
Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Let sit for 2–3 minutes before serving to thicken naturally.
Tips for Success
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Use Extra Lean Beef – Keeps the dish from getting greasy
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Control Salt – Broth and cheese are salty, so taste before seasoning
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Grate Cheese Fresh – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly
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Mind the Pasta – Stir often and don’t overcook to prevent mushiness
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Check Your Chiles – Heat level varies; taste first and adjust accordingly
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Let It Rest – A few minutes helps everything come together and absorb flavor
Make It Your Own
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Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or peas at the end
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
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Creamy Twist: Stir in 2 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese
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Different Pasta: Shells, rotini, or penne all work well
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with:
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A crisp green salad
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Cornbread or garlic toast
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Sliced avocado or a fried egg on top
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Great for:
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Busy weeknights
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Meal prep
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Picky eaters who love cheesy pasta
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Storage & Reheating
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Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Reheat: Microwave or reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth
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Freeze: Not ideal due to pasta texture, but can be frozen up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
This Green Chile Hamburger Helper is bold, cheesy, and perfect for when you need a fast, filling, and flavorful meal. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to one-pot dinner.
Share Your Creations
Have you made this Green Chile Hamburger Helper?
Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out—or how you made it your own!
Green Chile Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Method
- In a large soup pot, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat for 7–10 minutes until browned.
- Break up the beef as it cooks. If there's excess fat, drain most of it out.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, and green chile.
- Cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 13–15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes before serving to thicken naturally.
