Food of the Seventies, Hamburger Helper

I also have food pages for the 80s and 90s.

Picture Gallery

Loading images, if this message doesn't go away you may need to enable javascript in order to see pictures
No images

No pictures available yet!

 Submit a picture 

Description
From Betty Crocker. Boxed Dinners in many varieties that you just added hamburger and water to. Unfortunately, the best variety, which is Meat Loaf, is no longer available. Hamburger Helper Meat Loaf came with a packet of Seasoning Mix, a packet of glaze mix, and a disposable tray to bake it in. God, I Miss That Stuff!!!
Links for more info

The following are links about Hamburger Helper you may find interesting. Also check out the other pages.

  • No links have been submitted for this page yet.

Submit a link to more information about Hamburger Helper

User Stories and Comments

The following are comments left about Hamburger Helper from site visitors such as yourself. They are not spell checked or reviewed for accuracy.

amy b - October 26, 2007 - Report this comment
the stuff bacame really popular with single moms.my mom used to make the potatos stroganoff which was really good as long as you stirred it well-which she often didnt which left gobs of the powdered flavoring stuff between some of the potatos.this is what inspired me to learn to cook.
Teresa Glover - July 07, 2008 - Report this comment
I remember the swedish meatballs hamburger helper it was my all time favorite!!
D Cruz - August 14, 2008 - Report this comment
My dad was a single parent to 6 kids when this came out, we lived on this stuff. it truly was a God send for my dad, but to this day none of my brothers or sisters can stomach it.
sheila - September 28, 2008 - Report this comment
I'm just wondering why they stopped making the hamburger helper Meatloaf, it was SO GOOD and EASY, seems like everytime something's SO GOOD, they quit making it, I DON'T GET IT!!!! Just like the Tombstone stuffed crust pizza, the BEST EVER in frozen pizzas and they quit selling it.
Lindy - November 19, 2008 - Report this comment
My mom always made the beef noodle flavor; she never tried any of the others.
Marcus - November 27, 2008 - Report this comment
One of my very favorites was Rice Oriental. Wish they still made it.
Ted - April 14, 2009 - Report this comment
There was an awesome Pizza flavor with wagon wheel pasta. MMMM... heartburn time!
drwhobadgirls - September 13, 2009 - Report this comment
The meatloaf was the best. It was so easy and convienient and the taste was absolutely great. Copy and paste the following link to betty crocker. They give you the recipe for the hamburger helper meatloaf. I just found it today so I haven't tried it yet, but will let you know when I do. I hope this helps. http://www.bettycrocker.com/CommunityForums/forums.aspx/12/2555
Chris - March 06, 2010 - Report this comment
Anyone remember Hawaiian Hamburger Helper? I believe it had almonds....
Jeff - September 25, 2010 - Report this comment
Another kid whose family lived on these when they first came out. Beef Noodle, Lasagna, Chili Tomato, Potato Stroganoff, Rice Oriental, and Hamburger Hash. I think the Cheeseburger Macaroni didn't come along until a little later.
Jeannie - November 19, 2010 - Report this comment
I loved yhe wagon wheel hamburger & that quit making it!! Does anyone have a similar recipe for it ???
Jeannie - November 19, 2010 - Report this comment
I meant"they" quit making it. It was SOOOO good !!!!
Jane - January 21, 2011 - Report this comment
Why don't they substitute one of the current ones for the meat loaf? Please bring it back! Please! I guarentee you it will not sit on the shelves like the others are currently doing.
Jennifer - June 09, 2011 - Report this comment
Totally remember the Hawaiian Hamburger Helper! It had slivered almonds...and pineapple, as I recall...
kay - July 28, 2011 - Report this comment
I have been looking for a recipe for meatloaf that was as good as the hamburger helper and have never found one yet! Please bring back the product.Evan if it is just the seasonings and instructions. It would be great seller!!!
Kathrn - August 28, 2011 - Report this comment
HAMBURGER HELPER USED TO MAKE ON THAT HAD POT AND PEAS WHY DID THAT GO OFF SALE
Chomper01 - September 08, 2011 - Report this comment
There are now 40 family favorites in the Helper varieties; and they keep coming out with new varieties. here is a list of them: 1. Asian Helper(R) Flavors -(beef fried rice, chicken fried rice, mongolian-style beef, chicken lo mein). 2. Chicken Helper - (cheesey chicken enchilada, chicken fried rice, fettuccini alfredo, creamy chicken noodle). 3. Cheesey Favorites - (bacon cheeseburger, cheddar cheese melt, cheesy hashbrowns, ultimate hamburger macaroni [New], cheesy beef pasta [New]). 4. Homestyle Favorites - (beef pasta, creamy stroganoff, homestyle salisbury, philly cheesesteak, potato stroganoff). 5. Italian Favorites - (cheesy italian shells, four cheese lasagna, italian sausage, lasagna, spaghetti). 6. mexican Favorites - (cheesy enchilada, cheesy nacho, chili macaroni, crunchy taco, double cheese quesadilla). 7. New Orleans Favorites - (cheesy jamabaya). 8. Helper Complete Meals - (cheesy beef taco, cheesy chicken, chicken & buttermilk biscuits, chicken fettucine alfredo, chicken with cheesy rice and broccoli). 9. Microwave Singles - (cheeseburger macaroni, ultimate cheesy burger twist). 10. Tuna Helper Flavors - (cheesy pasta, creamy broccoli, creamy parmesan, creamy pasta, fettuccini alfredo). 11. Whole Grain Helpers - (cheeseburger macaroni, stroganoff, honey mustard chicken, lemon & herb chicken). to see the pictures, go to: http://www.bettycrocker.com/products/hamburger-helper .
Anna - September 10, 2011 - Report this comment
PLEASE bring back the original hamburger helper with macaroni and please omit the CHEESE.
Tina - September 27, 2011 - Report this comment
I don't even like the Hamburger Helper these days but i used to love the Pizza Bake Hamburger Helper. I bought it in the 80s and wish that they would bring it back again even if for a trial period.
Donna - September 27, 2011 - Report this comment
The first year I got married years ago we LIVED on Hamburger Helper...I didn't know how to cook a thing! We used to get excited when something new came out... but, I really wish they would bring back the Wagon Wheel (pizza flavor) I know my kids would love it! I actually crave it sometimes! PLEASE bring it back!
patricia - May 19, 2012 - Report this comment
i really miss the lasagna hamburger helper of the 70s, it had a packet in it to make a white sauce that went onto the top of the lasagna at the end of cooking. i really need to know what that sauce was,even better, hamburger helper needs to definitly bring that awesome lasagna back. i crave it! also i have a very hard time finding the asian hamb. helper "mongolian-style beef.what is up with that and where is it sold? please bring back the 70s lasagna,please!!!!!!!!!
Jan - July 31, 2012 - Report this comment
I came here just looking for someone to remind which delicious dish had the white sauce on top....thanks Paticia! Of course it was the lasagna. Takes me back to the mid seventies when I was a teenager and my sister and I had to fix lunch every week day...hamburger helper, The Young and the Restless and long summer days...sigh.
Patty - January 03, 2013 - Report this comment
What is the reason for not bringing back the meatloaf hamburger helper? It was always bought off the shelves to show how popular it was. Please put it back on the shelves especially the seasoning that went with it
Traci - May 12, 2013 - Report this comment
It's funny that people remember the Hawaiian Hamburger Helper, as do I...it was my favorite as a kid! The funny part though is that I actually wrote to Betty Crocker, asking them to bring it back, and they swore to me that they've NEVER had anything like that! I don't know how I, and others can remember it so vividly then...wish it would come back too!
Jeff - June 13, 2013 - Report this comment
In regards to this "Hawaiian Hamburger Helper" that Betty Crocker says never existed, I believe back in the 70s that Hunt's came out with a line of Hunt's Skiller Dinners that came in a box similar to Hamburger Helper and that they had the Hawaiian flavor.
Patricia Jackson - October 24, 2013 - Report this comment
My daughter and I loved the Hamburger Hash with the diced potato and onions with the herb seasoning I found some in my hometown of Mississippi if you still make pls let me know because we will make a trip to get some the last time I had some was 2000 we also loved the rice oriental it's is great with plain potato chips
Debbie - May 29, 2014 - Report this comment
I wish they would bring back the hamburger helper hash with diced potatoes & onions. Love that stuff!!!
sherrie lamb - June 08, 2014 - Report this comment
Does anyone know when the last made the Hamburger Helper hash? I went to the food pantry the other day and was given a box of this stuff. The box did look outdated but there was no date on the box. I made it and it was horrible. I told my boyfriend that I saw it it looks like a box from the 70s. The taste made me think I was right. Does anybody have any clues?
Todd - September 07, 2014 - Report this comment
Sherrie, I was a huge Hamburger Hash fan. As far as I know they stopped making it in the 80s - at least that's when stores around here stopped carrying it.
Theresa Gordon - October 11, 2014 - Report this comment
PLEASE bring back the wagon wheels dinner! i loved this as a child been on a mission to find it broke my heart to see its gone
Mary Z - October 20, 2014 - Report this comment
The hamburger hash was also my favorite.. I wish they would bring it back... Thanks
Lisa - December 02, 2014 - Report this comment
I love the Hash !!! Please bring it back!!!!!
Anita r - December 18, 2014 - Report this comment
Please make or send me rice oriental my favorite
FB - January 16, 2015 - Report this comment
The original lasagna flavor had a packet of powdered cheese you mixed with water and dropped by spoonfuls on the top near the end of the cooking time. I know it sounds gross, but it was delicious.
lynette - January 24, 2015 - Report this comment
Please bring back the hamburger helper meatloaf!
steve - January 26, 2015 - Report this comment
I came up with a pretty close hash recipe if anyone wants it.
Lisa - March 17, 2015 - Report this comment
Just want to let you know I found Hamburger Helper Meatloaf today...I'm pretty sure it will not be exactly like the old one which was fabulous...but I am gonna try it...I bought 8 boxes just in case...hahaha.It is called Hamburger Helper OVEN homestyle meatloaf with mashed potatoes...We will see how it is! Wish me luck!!!
melissa schwartzlose - April 20, 2015 - Report this comment
Please bring back the hamburger helper meatloaf it was easy ands so good
Virginia - June 20, 2015 - Report this comment
Can anyone please tell me.if they are still making the original hamburger helper. My husband manages a large supermarket and he.has not seen the it. That om e was rhe hest.
LoriLadd - December 25, 2015 - Report this comment
Wasn't the original Hamburger Helper a way to stretch the meat a bit by adding "fillers"? Probably mainly bread crumbs. More bread crumbs than the typical recipe. I know that my mother was able to feed a family of 10 with a lb. of hanburger and 1 box of HH. Times were tough and my mother did what she could to stretch the budget. I also remember Skillet Lasagna with what at least appeared to be real ricotta. Not bad at all!
Kraxalhuber - January 31, 2016 - Report this comment
What I remember, LoriLadd, was an envelope of dehydrated vegetable protein and a flavor packet. Rehydrating the textured vegetable protein and then combining it with the flavor and a pound of ground meat. It's what Cousin Eddy put on the grill when the Griswolds visited and picked up Aunt Edna. Although, Cousin Eddy skipped the ground meat portion
Linda - May 06, 2016 - Report this comment
Please bring back Hamburger Hash it was so good It was my favorite but I like a lot of the others too!
Christina - May 19, 2016 - Report this comment
Yes idk what the problem is, but i hope you can "hash" it out and bring it back! Pleeeeease!
Peter - July 19, 2016 - Report this comment
Does anyone have a link to the Hamburger helper Commercial where the hand sings, "If you like spaghetti, like I know you do, Hamburger Helper, helps you make spaghetti"?
Brenda - August 24, 2016 - Report this comment
Iknew there was a hash. That was my favorite
Sheila - September 08, 2016 - Report this comment
I remember the "wheels"....I don't remember the flavor....but it was probably pizza flavor....it was my favorite way back in the 70's!!!!!
Carol J - September 17, 2016 - Report this comment
I can still taste the Hamburger Helper Hash. The seasoning was great with the little diced potatoes! Wish they would bring it back exactly the same!
Bill B - October 06, 2016 - Report this comment
I loved the Hamburger Hash. When I found out it was discontinued years ago I went into all the stores and bought them out. The only problem with the Hamburger Hash is that I would eat the entire box in one sitting...
faye o - October 12, 2016 - Report this comment
please bring back the rice oriental and the meatloaf
Tim - October 13, 2016 - Report this comment
One more vote for the Hash! Loved it.
Martie - October 20, 2016 - Report this comment
I remember something called GREAT LOAF meat loaf mixes....had different flavors...beef gravy, italian tomato sauce and some others, with a gravy or sauce that you poured over top. Don't know if this was by Betty Crocker or Hunts....but I really miss it.
Sue in Grapevine - November 14, 2016 - Report this comment
Steve, I'd love the Hamburger Helper Hash recipe.
Jody - February 13, 2017 - Report this comment
I remember they had a tuna pot pie that you made in a pie plate, it was so good!!! You could also use canned chicken. Wish they would bring that back!
Fran - February 13, 2017 - Report this comment
As a child, my mom made the hamburger.hash. It was my favorite. please please bring it back!!
Tammy - March 29, 2017 - Report this comment
I loved the hamburger hash it was great with pinto beans. And the rice one was great to.wish they would bring both back. Today I got 24 boxes of tuna helper creamy paste today had to order it.but going to love it.
Steve the country cook - October 25, 2017 - Report this comment
This is my rendition of the Hash recipe. I use chicken stock instead of water. I dice the potatoes and onions very small. I use one cap full of mrs.dash as the seasoning. Cook covered for about 30 min. then uncover and cook it down until the broth is mostly gone. That is what I came up with. Enjoy Also, sorry jody that it took so long to put this up! Forgot!
Robert - January 14, 2018 - Report this comment
i think i finally got a great copy of the old hamburger hash dinner i found the hamburger helper copy cat seasoning Hamburger Helper Seasoning Mix 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons dried parsley 1/3 cup instant onion 3 tablespoons onion powder 1 tablespoon salt 1 2/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder 3 1/2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules Yield: 5 1/2 cup servings then i found the dried diced potatoes from harmony house foods on amazon. i used on cup potatoes, 2 cups water, 1 pound ground beef and 4 ounces of the mixed seasoning and it was great! just like the orginal and its been almost 30 years since i had it last time. i will be making this more often.
roger - January 30, 2018 - Report this comment
I wish you would bring back the meatloaf hamburger helper. It was the best meatloaf I ever had, better than any home made ones I every had. That glaze just made it perfect.
Beth - March 23, 2018 - Report this comment
All of the good ole favorites are not the same by a long shot anymore or they don't make it. Not everyone likes everything to have cheese. The spaghetti one is too cheesy tasting, not like before when it was 'tomatoey'. The potato stroganoff tastes like cream gravy and hadn't tasted the same as it originally did in years. And the rice oriental, oh my gosh, loved that stuff. Even the beef noodle not the same. The good old days of good ole meals
Bernadine - November 12, 2018 - Report this comment
Hamburger Hash was my favorite of all. I wish they would bring that one back. I like the potatoes stroganoff that is available now, also.
Rob Lambert - June 06, 2019 - Report this comment
From the prime time TV vault, a commercial for Hamburger Helper Lasagna Skillet Dinner with James Hampton, who played bugler Dobbs in "F Troop." In the mid 1980s, Hampton played a cult leader with dark motives in the soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Commercial aired on "Doc" over CBS (9/24/75). Bernard Hughes was Doc. His co-star, Elizabeth Wilson, had quit the show, her character was deceased in season two (fall 1975). Mary Wickes played his nurse. A typical doctor office setting, "Doc" lasted 38 episodes in two seasons. Wickes, a great character actress, started in movies around 1942. She appeared with Abbott & Costello in "Who Done It?" Primarily played maids or nurses. Hughes was best known as the demented patient in "The Hospital" (1970) and a major role in "Cold Turkey" (1971). In two episodes of "All In The Family," he played a Catholic priest.
Ingrid Nadeau - August 24, 2019 - Report this comment
Hamburger Hash was always our family favorite. Please let's have that which is old, can be "new"
Rob Lambert - August 24, 2019 - Report this comment
A box of Hamburger Hash is shown (with four others) in the 1975 TV spot with James Hampton. Forgot to mention, Hampton also starred in the juvenile 1976 movie "Hawmps," in which the Cavalry replaced horses with camels.
robert lower - November 12, 2019 - Report this comment
please bring back the hamburger hash,great stuff really miss it
Tiffany - December 07, 2019 - Report this comment
There used to be another flavor of HH (besides Potatoes Stroganoff, which we just had for dinner tonight lol) that had the sliced potatoes in it. Anyone remember what it was called? I also loved the Rice Oriental. There is actually a Facebook page now called Bring Back Hamburger Helper: Rice Oriental! Haha! Glad I stumbled onto this page...I found it while I was telling my boyfriend over dinner all the HH flavors I used to love, and I couldn't remember some of the discontinued ones so I googled it and here I am. Thank you all for the pleasant little stroll down memory lane :)
Debra - June 21, 2020 - Report this comment
I wish they’d bring back the Hamburger Hash!!! That was the only one I really liked, very simple, but had good flavor.... we used to roll it up in corn tortillas, it was delicious.... any possibility of getting the recipe of the seasonings used??? Or better yet, could you start manufacturing it again??
Rob Lambert - March 14, 2021 - Report this comment
From the daytime TV vault, a nutty commercial. In a car, mother with teen son pull into a burger place drive thru. While the mother orders, the Hamburger Helper hand pops up, suggesting they eat at home. The burger place server offers a skillet with fully cooked meal. The frantic mother quickly pulls away. This aired during "Knockout" on NBC (2/10/78). Former "Laugh-In" standout hosted this game show. Former "Let's Make a Deal" announcer Jay Stewart assisted. Contestants played an un-matching game to earn letters which spelled "Knockout" to win rounds and bonus rounds. Other sponsors include Dow Scrubbing Bubbles, Listerine and Pringles potato chips. Network promo for "Little House on the Prarie."

Submit a story or info about Hamburger Helper