Southwest Hamburger Helper

The name says it all: Hamburger Helper. I don’t know about you, but HH will always have a special place in my heart! Who’s with me?

This southwest take on the classic is total comfort food – the best kind of food, in my opinion. Give me some pasta, a creamy sauce, some ground beef and I am one happy girl!

This Southwest Hamburger Helper uses my Pepperjack Cheese Sauce, pasta, ground beef, and a few seasonings. It’s almost as simple as the original!

You can use any pasta you like – I like to use Banza Chickpea Rotini for this recipe. It’s high in protein and fiber with super-clean ingredients. Chickpeas aren’t paleo, but we do well with them – to each his own! Life’s all about balance. I also love Bellabondanza’s Green Bean fettuccine – it’s DELICIOUS, low carb, and packed with protein too. Do what works for you!

Print Recipe

Southwest Hamburger Helper

Cook Time

20 minutes

Servings

Ingredients

• 1 batch Pepperjack Cheese Sauce See recipe note*
• 1 lb Grass fed ground beef sub ground chicken, turkey, or pork
• 8 oz Pasta
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 tsp Onion powder
• 2 tsp Oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp Pink salt
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Chili powder

Cook Time 20 minutes Servings Ingredients 1 batch Pepperjack Cheese Sauce See recipe note* 1 lb Grass fed ground beef sub ground chicken, turkey, or pork 8 oz Pasta 2 tsp Garlic powder 2 tsp Onion powder 2 tsp Oregano 1 1/2 tsp Pink salt 1 tsp Smoked Paprika 1 tsp Black pepper 1/2 tsp Chili powder

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the meat over medium heat. This should take about 5-8 minutes.
3. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it and add it to your ground meat. (If you used good quality beef, you shouldn't have any fat to drain!)
4. Add the cheese sauce and seasonings to the pasta.
5. Combine ingredients and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce is heated through and thickened slightly.

Recipe Notes

* Pepperjack Cheese Sauce recipe - follow the directions to make it into a pasta sauce. You'll need 2 1/2 cups of broth. You can use the entire recipe or only half, depending on how saucy you like it. The pasta may absorb a decent amount of it, as well.