Copycat Hamburger Helper Chili Mac Mix
Chili meets pasta in this hearty, homemade Chili Mac mix layered right into a mason jar. Bold spices, beans, and tender noodles simmer into the perfect one-pan meal.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Copycat Hamburger Helper Base Mix
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ cup freeze-dried beans or dehydrated cooked beans
- 2 cups macaroni
Instructions
- Brown 1 lb ground beef. Stir in jar mix + 4 cups water. Simmer 15 minutes until pasta is cooked and beans soften. Top with shredded cheese for the full chili-mac effect.
Notes
Here’s where the fun begins. On This Old Baker, you’ll find seven distinct varieties built from the Copycat Hamburger Helper Base Mix. Each one has its own character, and you can batch them as jar gifts or just keep them stacked in your own pantry.
- Cheesy Beef Pasta – The classic orange-hued comfort food, recreated with real cheddar cheese powder and a hint of paprika.
- Creamy Tomato Basil – Cozy skillet pasta with a creamy tomato base and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
- Taco Mac Skillet – A zesty Tex-Mex version loaded with taco seasoning, corn, and peppers.
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch – Smoky, cheesy, and tangy all at once—this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Stroganoff Style – Rich and creamy with sour cream powder and mushroom flavor, perfect with egg noodles.
- Chili Mac – Hearty, spiced, and comforting, with beans and chili powder bringing the warmth.
- Pizza Pasta – A playful blend with tomato, Italian seasoning, and pepperoni minis—pizza night in a skillet.