Hamburger Helper is hearty, tasty, and convenient. Sure, it’s pre-packaged, but cooked with delicious ground beef, it makes a pretty splendid meal in a pinch! I serve Hamburger Helper for dinner more than I care to admit. In fact, I think I’ve tried every variant there is! My favorite is Cheeseburger Macaroni. What’s yours? It may not be the healthiest of meals, but what can I say? It’s great, and my family likes it. Plus, it’s the fastest way to get food on the table! Since Hamburger Helper comes together pretty quickly, it gives me time to whip up the perfect side dish to pair it with. If you’re looking for ways to transform your Hamburger Helper into a full-blown, home-cooked meal, I’ve rounded up 13 side dishes that are a breeze to make! Pair any of them with your favorite Hamburger Helper, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time.
1. Garden Salad
Let’s kick things off with something crisp, refreshing, and colorful! If you’re having comfort food for dinner, it’s good to balance things out with a fresh, healthy side dish. A garden salad perfectly fits the bill. Salads are so easy to customize. Just throw in whatever vegetable, fruit, nuts, and cheeses you have on hand! The type of dressing is also completely up to you. I suggest topping your salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a flavor contrast.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli is an easy and delicious component you can add to Hamburger Helper to make it more substantial. Don’t worry, you need not put much effort into preparing it! In fact, all you need to do is to blanch it for 2-3 minutes, and it’s good to go. You can also steam or roast it if you have more time. Either way, it’s going to add nutrition (and crunch!) to your boxed meal.
3. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is another quick and easy way to add sustenance to Hamburger Helper. Plus, the sweet and crunchy kernels just taste so good with pasta! Again, don’t worry, because it takes very minimal effort to cook corn on the cob. Just boil it in water and you’re done! You can even microwave it if you’re pressed for time. Slather your corn with butter and season with salt and voila! Your side dish is ready.
4. Carrots
Carrots are not only super nutritious, but they’re so tasty, too! Coat them in olive oil and pop them in the oven for a simple yet satisfying side dish. Oven-roasted carrots offer a crunchy contrast to your Hamburger Helper. They have sweet and earthy flavors, but not so intense that they will overpower your main dish.
5. Sauteed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are great with meat, which is why they make an amazing pair with Hamburger Helper. Their earthy flavors complement the beefiness of the dish beautifully! Plus, they’re a breeze to make. Just saute them in butter and call it a day.
6. Grilled Peppers
Sweet with a hint of spicy, grilled peppers are a colorful and flavorful addition to Hamburger Helper. When it comes to bell peppers, grilling is the best cooking method. It adds sweetness and smokiness to the veggies, making them even more delightful! Be sure to use different colors of peppers for the most vibrant, Instagram-worthy side dish.
7. Mac & Cheese
Okay, I know this sounds redundant, but you really can’t have too much pasta in one meal. So yes, mac and cheese is a great side for Hamburger Helper! What’s not to love? They’re both hearty, creamy, and sooo, so cheesy! This pairing is perfect when feeding a group of hungry guests.
8. Dinner Rolls
Bread and pasta are a timeless pair, and for good reason. They go perfectly well together! Just picture yourself sopping up the cheesy sauce of your Hamburger Helper with soft and buttery rolls, and you’ll understand what I mean.
9. Cheese and Crackers
Okay, they may be more of an appetizer than a side dish, but, no matter what you call them, cheese and crackers make a great complement to Hamburger Helper! Prepping this starter could not be easier! Just open a pack of your favorite crackers, slice up whatever cheeses you have in the fridge, and throw them on a platter.
10. Roasted Vegetables
Apart from broccoli and carrots, there are tons of other vegetables that you can serve with your Hamburger Helper. From cauliflower and Brussels sprouts to beets and potatoes, you’ll never run out of options. All you need to do is drizzle your veggies with olive oil, and into the oven they go. Easy-peasy!
11. Green Beans
Didn’t I say you’ll never run out of vegetables to serve with Hamburger Helper? Green beans flavored with brown sugar and loaded with bacon – sounds good to me! If you’re in the mood for something creamier, you can also flavor your beans with sour cream. Or how about some shallots and pancetta for a smoky twist?
12. Peach Cobbler
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with this classic Southern sweet. Peach cobbler is always a fantastic way to end a meal, no matter what your entrée is. Sweet, juicy, and saucy peaches nestled in a crumbly, flaky crust, topped with vanilla ice cream – now that sounds like the perfect dessert to me!
13. Fried Apples
Fried apples are another popular Southern dessert. Sweet and tart apples in a sugar and cinnamon sauce, again topped with ice cream. Boy, how can anyone say no to that?! It’s a feast both for the eyes and the lips! Click on a star to rate it!
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