Name: Taco Hamburger Helper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives

Why You’ll Love Taco Hamburger HelperRecipe

This Taco Hamburger Helper delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of the nostalgic boxed classic—but with fresher ingredients, a heartier texture, and bold taco‑inspired flavors. It’s family‑friendly, ready in about 30 minutes, and combines pasta, seasoned beef, and toppings in one easy skillet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (or ~2 tablespoons homemade)
10 ounce can RoTel tomatoes (or diced tomatoes with green chiles)
10.5 ounce can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 big handfuls of crushed tortilla chips (about 2 cups; Doritos, Tostitos, or Fritos work great)

Directions

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in the taco seasoning, RoTel tomatoes, cream soup, and beef broth. Mix well.
Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook about 15–18 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in about 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top, scatter remaining cheese on top, and cover for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts slightly over the crunch.
Add your favorite taco toppings if desired—like lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, or olives—and serve hot right from the pan.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6 people
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Meat swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Different chips: Try flavored tortilla chips (like nacho cheese) for extra taste.
• Pasta shapes: Use rotini, shells, or gluten‑free pasta as preferred.
• Creamier: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese at the end.

Storage/Reheating

Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30‑second intervals, stirring in between, or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What if the pasta is still firm but the liquid is gone?

Add a little more broth, cover, and cook a few more minutes until the pasta is tender. Add it in small amounts (¼ cup at a time) until the desired texture.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Use a larger pot or Dutch oven and extend the cooking time slightly. Just ensure the pasta stays submerged in liquid.

Can I use a different kind of soup?

Yes—cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even cheddar cheese soup are good alternatives.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes, swap the pasta for a gluten‑free variety you prefer.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and avocado.

Can I make the taco seasoning from scratch?

Absolutely—use about 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet.

How can I make it spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Is this freezer‑friendly?

Cooked pasta dishes generally don’t freeze well due to texture changes, so refrigeration is best.

What chip brand works best?

Doritos, Tostitos, and Fritos are all delicious options for the crunchy topping.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes—stir in corn, bell peppers, or black beans to boost nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This homemade Taco Hamburger Helper is a comforting, flavorful one‑pan meal that puts a fun taco twist on a classic favorite. With melty cheese, seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a crunchy chip topping, it’s a weeknight dinner the whole family will love—and it comes together in about 30 minutes.