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    Home » Main Courses

    Vegan Cheesy Hamburger Helper

    Published: Jan 10, 2021 · Modified: Sep 15, 2022 by Larisha Bernard · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

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    Vegan Cheesy Hamburger Helper is the perfect comfort food vegan dinner idea that even the kids will devour! This easy 20 minute vegan meal will even be enjoyed by your carnivore friends. Top 8 Free Friendly!

    Unless you are a raw vegan or whole foods plant based, there’s a good possibility that you eat some processed types of foods.  Even if it’s just on occasion and you hold out for those super busy nights, we all need a few options.  This vegan cheesy hamburger helper skillet meal is one you need to add. 

    It’s such a comfort meal.  And maybe that’s because my mom only cooked from boxes that It reminds me of my childhood; however, most people will agree that almost everything that contains pasta as the main ingredients is sure to be a hit.

    And this is no different! 

    It’s super cheesy (vegan cheesy, of course) but it’s not on made with any nuts, carrots, or potatoes, etc., . 

    This meal needs just about 20 minutes to make from start to finish. So, if you’re one of those families with kids always on the go, or maybe it’s you in the older soccer group; whatever the case is, this vegan dinner idea is sure to be a hit. 

    Plus, this dish can easily be Top 8 Allergen Free!  We explain it all below!

    What ingredients do I need for vegan cheesy hamburger helper?

    This recipe combos our homemade vegan nacho cheese with a few other ingredients for one epic and amazing dinner idea. 

    The cheese sauce itself takes just 5 minutes to make and the rest of the recipe comes together in about 15 minutes for one easy and comforting meal. 

    The ingredients that you need are:

    • Pasta noodles (elbows or something similar is best. Use gluten free if needed)
    • Vegan ground crumbles
    • Red Onion
    • Bell Pepper (green or red)
    • Garlic
    • Vegan Butter 
    • Vegan Nacho Cheese Recipe
    • salt and pepper 

    How do I make this vegan cheesy hamburger helper skillet?

    This recipe is so easy to make! You are going to put it on repeat in your menu plan!

    The first thing that you are going to start cooking your pasta according to the box instructions.  When done reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

    While that is cooking, add all the ingredients for the vegan nacho cheese recipe into your blender. Set aside.

    Chop up your onion, pepper, and garlic. 

    In a large skillet, over medium heat, add some vegan butter into your skillet and let melt.  Add in the onion and pepper and let cook for 2-3 minutes. 

    Then, add in your garlic for one more minute. 

    Add in the vegan crumbles and let cook for 4 minutes. 

    Pour in half the vegan cheese sauce and your pasta. Stir around until very well combined. 

    If you need your sauce thinned a bit, add in a splash of the reserved pasta water. 

    If you want your pasta cheesier, add more of the nacho cheese sauce. 

    Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.

    Serve!  

    *use the leftover nacho cheese sauce for dipping, burgers, and more!

    How do I prep this vegan dinner idea ahead of time?

    This recipe will last up to 3 days in the fridge, which means you could prep it that far in advance.

    You may need to add a splash or broth or vegan milk when reheating if it needs it. 

    Can I make this Top 8 Allergen Friendly?

    Yes!  This meal can be completely Top 8 Allergen Friendly. 

    First, make sure your pasta noodles are gluten free. 

    Then, you want to make sure that you are also choosing a vegan ground crumbles that are allergen friendly too.  Some have soy and wheat in them. The Beyond crumbles are allergen friendly. 

    Lastly, make sure you pick a vegan butter that is safe or use oil.  We use Earth Balance soy free which is in a red tub.

    What other vegan dinner ideas should I try?

    If you love this easy dairy free dinner recipe, you may be wondering what other dairy free dinner ideas we have. Here are some ideas we have (all are vegan): 

    • Vegan Tomato, Spinach & Sausage Quinoa Bowls
    • Vegan Instant Pot Tex-Mex Rice
    • Dairy Free Taco Casserole
    • Dairy Free Pizza
    • Vegan Italian Meatballs
    • Dairy Free Alfredo 
    • Dairy Free Nachos
    • Easy Dairy Free Spinach & Walnut Pesto 

    Pin this vegan cheesy hamburger helper skillet for later!

    Print Recipe
    4.80 from 10 votes

    Vegan Cheesy Hamburger Helper Skillet

    Perfect comfort food vegan dinner idea that even the kids will devour! This easy 20 minute vegan meal will even be enjoyed by your carnivore friends. 
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Main Course, pasta dishes
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 470kcal
    Author: Larisha Bernard

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or similar best)
    • 1 recipe vegan nacho cheese sauce (see below)
    • 1 red onion
    • 1 bell pepper (green or red)
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoon vegan butter
    • 12 oz package of vegan crumbles
    • Vegan Parmesan (Optional)

    Vegan Nacho Sauce

    • 1 15oz can Butter Beans, drained and rinsed
    • 1 4oz can diced mild jalapenos (see notes for spice level)
    • 1 cup unsweetened dairy free milk
    • ½ cup nutritional yeast
    • ¼ cup vegan butter
    • 2 tablespoon oat flour
    • ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ⅛ tsp onion powder

    Instructions

    • Cook pasta according to the box instructions.  When done reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
    • While that is cooking, add all the ingredients for the vegan nacho cheese recipe into blender. Follow directions for blending. Set aside.
    • Chop up your onion, pepper, and garlic. 
    • In a large skillet, over medium heat, add some vegan butter and let melt. 
    • Add in onion and pepper and let cook for 2-3 minutes. 
    • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. 
    • Add in vegan crumbles and let cook for 4 minutes. 
    • Pour in half the vegan cheese sauce and cooked pasta. Stir around until very well combined. 
    • If sauce needs thinned a bit, add in a splash of the reserved pasta water. 
      If cheesier pasta is desired, add more of the nacho cheese sauce. 
      Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
    • Sprinkle some vegan parmesan on top if desired.
    • Serve!

    Video

    Notes

    *See post for Top 8 Allergen Friendly instructions.
    *Use the leftover nacho cheese sauce for dipping, burgers, and more!
    **We don’t think this dish is spicy; however, if the thought of jalapenos bothers then you can start with 3 tablespoon of the diced jalapenos and taste test.  Add more to taste.  If you want it really spicy, use a 4oz jar of hot jalapenos instead of mild.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2cups | Calories: 470kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 441mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1271IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 5mg

    Let’s see your creations!
    Share to Instagram and tag us @makeitdairyfree so we can see and share it!

    This post was originally published on 10/16/2019 and updated on 1/10/2021.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jenny

      August 06, 2021 at 11:38 pm

      5 stars
      So good!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        February 10, 2022 at 8:02 pm

        Glad you enjoyed

        Reply
    2. TW

      April 17, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      My family devoured this! Now I receive daily requests to make it again. The flavor was crazy! Nacho cheese sauce is 5 star. Thank you for this recipe. A great recipe for vegans and nonvegans.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        April 19, 2021 at 2:37 pm

        Thrilled to hear that! Thanks for taking time to leave a review, we appreciate it so much

        Reply
    3. Kenna

      March 15, 2021 at 12:23 pm

      4 stars
      This is was really delicious when I made it! I definitely recommend reheating over the stove with some extra water and NOT in the microwave 😅

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        April 20, 2021 at 8:43 am

        Thanks for your feedback

        Reply
    4. Rebecca

      February 28, 2021 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is SO GOOD! This will definitely be making it into my meal rotation! So quick and easy! I had all the ingredients except bell pepper, so I substituted some shredded carrot. Super delicious! Thanks for this delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        February 28, 2021 at 2:20 pm

        sounds like a yummy addition! Glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking time to leave a review! Have a great week

        Reply
    5. Cherry

      February 20, 2021 at 6:58 pm

      5 stars
      quick and delicious recipe! It was also easy to find the ingredients.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        February 23, 2021 at 3:31 pm

        So glad to hear that the recipe was a hit and easy to find. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review! Have a great day!

        Reply
    6. Ana

      January 13, 2021 at 11:22 pm

      Just made this tonight and omg so good! It makes a good meal prep too. The added more jalapeños and lentil pasta for extra protein.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        January 15, 2021 at 9:05 pm

        So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. Janell

      January 13, 2021 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      This was very easy, and the family loved it! Will definitely be in our regular rotation! I will cook the onions, etc. longer next time. A bit crunchy for us.

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        January 13, 2021 at 9:37 pm

        We’re so happy to hear you loved it

        Reply
        • AJ

          January 21, 2021 at 7:59 pm

          5 stars
          So good! Adding this in to our rotation. I subbed kidney beans for the crumbles and it turned out great.

        • LarishaBernard

          January 21, 2021 at 10:38 pm

          Thanks for sharing your substitution idea! So glad it worked out. we appreciate you take time to leave a 5-star rating! We hope you have a great day!

      • Patricia

        September 12, 2022 at 11:33 am

        hello…I want to try this for my kids…can I use walnut meat instead of crumbles? do you think they will get too mushy?

        Reply
        • LarishaBernard

          October 09, 2022 at 9:57 pm

          Yes you can!

    8. Renee

      August 22, 2020 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      This recipe surprised me! It was creamy, flavorful and my whole family enjoyed it! Thank you!!

      Reply
      • LarishaBernard

        August 30, 2020 at 9:40 am

        So happy to hear you liked the recipe. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Have a great week.

        Reply
      • Bridgette

        January 16, 2021 at 7:42 pm

        I love this recipe I changed the pasta and I used emerge chicken

        Reply
        • LarishaBernard

          January 20, 2021 at 8:11 pm

          so happy to hear you liked it

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