Reheating Hamburger Helper

Reheating Hamburger Helper - Burger With Lettuce and Fries on Brown Wooden Chopping Board

When I make Hamburger Helper I always follow the directions exactly and the consistency of the sauce is usually good--not too thick and not too watery--but whenever I reheat the leftovers the sauce practically turns into water and it becomes like a noodle and beef soup. This happens with every flavor. What's weird is I always remember leftover Hamburger Helper being too thick and dry and I needed to add water, but now the complete opposite is happening.

Am I draining the ground beef too much when I cook it? Is there something I should be doing differently? Have the ingredients or recipes changed somehow?



Best Answer

I called General Mills, the makers of Hamburger Helper, and asked if there had been any changes to their recipes in the past 3 years. The representative (Thanks Kathy!) told me that the only recent change happened in 2016 when they stopped using artificial flavors and colors and switched to an all-natural formula. (see What does "natural" actually mean?)

I also visited the General Mills website and read the ingredients for all of the Hamburger Helper varieties. They are all thickened with cornstarch. Cornstarch does tend to thin out upon reheating, but I have no explanation of what could account for your change in experience (all other factors being the same). Look to what you’re doing differently, and methinks that there’s your answer.




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Quick Answer about "Reheating Hamburger Helper"

The best way to reheat Hamburger Helper is on the stove. Place your leftover hamburger helper in a pan and reheat it over medium-low heat. Stir in a few tablespoons of extra milk or water to help break up and thin the sauce. Reheat the hamburger helper for 3-5 minutes or until it's piping hot.

How do you reheat leftover Hamburger Helper?

How To Reheat Hamburger Helper in Microwave?
  • Place raw Hamburger Helper inside of an oven-safe dish or container with at least one inch of space between the food and the edge of the dish.
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap or wax paper (this allows steam to escape). ...
  • Microwave until heated through completely.


  • Is Hamburger Helper good reheated?

    It's always an upside when you can use your leftovers rather than throwing them out. Hamburger Helper can be reheated from the fridge or freezer. You can reheat in multiple ways \u2013 stovetop, microwave, or oven. You get to enjoy that heart meal again.

    How do you reuse Hamburger Helper?

    Leftover Hamburger Helper? \u2014shred some cheese, slap down some hot sauce and sour cream, maybe pinch little lettuce; you've got some tacos everyone can enjoy. The same tactic can go with your meatloaf, or even that chicken Rice-a-Roni in the back of your refrigerator. Before you turn your nose, give it a try.

    Can you microwave Hamburger Helper?

    High Altitude: Because liquids may evaporate faster, increase water amount and cook times if needed. Microwave Directions: 1. Crumble ground beef into 3-quart microwavable casserole dish. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain.



    Peter griffin and cheeseburger helper do business




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