Vegan Hamburger Helper

5 from 4 votes

Vegan Hamburger Helper: A nod to the nostalgic boxed version made with elbow macaroni and lentils seasoned with smoky spices and topped with vegan cheese. It's a simple weeknight meal for the family that will bring you childhood memories!

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 336kcal

Author: Alison Corey

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil or water
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 green bell pepper diced
2 cups cooked brown lentils
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
pinch cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 ⅔ cups low-sodium vegetable broth
½ cup tomato sauce
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
2 cups elbow macaroni
½ cup vegan shredded cheese optional
¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk

Instructions

Heat the olive oil or water in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent and peppers are slightly softened.
Add the cooked lentils to the pot with the spices (paprika, chili powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and elbow macaroni into the pot. Stir the ingredients together.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover the pot. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove the lid, and stir in the plant-based milk and shredded vegan cheese (optional) until it is melted and fully incorporated.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Tips for Making Vegan Hamburger Helper

You can also add any other vegetables or toppings you prefer, such as sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or chopped cilantro.
Opt for green or brown lentils, as they hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture to the dish. Red lentils tend to become mushy, which may not be ideal for this recipe.
Choose whole wheat or gluten-free elbow macaroni to make the dish even healthier.
Lentils can absorb a lot of flavor, so don't be shy with your seasonings. Consider adding other herbs, such as dried thyme, rosemary, or basil.
Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after removing it from the heat.
Instead of vegan cheese, you can add two tablespoons of nutritional yeast.
Use cooked lentils to save time. I buy them in the vegetable section at Trader Joe's.
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition