What to Serve with Hamburger Helper?

Hamburger Helper is a fast and convenient option for those times when you don’t feel like cooking. But if you’re wondering what to serve with it, there are plenty of options for side dishes that complement Hamburger Helper perfectly.

You can serve it with baked potatoes, rice pilaf, pasta salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, potato chips, baked beans, cornbread, etc.

Why Serve Hamburger Helper With Side Dishes?

Hamburger Helper is hearty and tasty, and it’s fast and convenient. But if you’ve ever had a bad experience with it, you might wonder whether serving it with sides is worth it. After all, it’s pre-packaged, and it doesn’t taste very good.

But if you’re wondering what to serve with Hamburger helper, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve rounded up 27 side dishes you should try out. Some of them are healthy, others are quick and easy, and still, others are downright decadent.

You’ll find delicious recipes for everything from cheesy macaroni to sweet potato fries to creamy mashed potatoes. And since most of these side dishes are made with ingredients you probably already have at home, you won’t spend a lot of money either.

So give Hamburger Helper a second chance—it does work well with lots of different foods!

27 Sides for Hamburger Helper

1. Mac & Cheese

A hamburger helper meal is a classic American comfort food dish made with hamburger meat, noodles, and cheese sauce. Macaroni and cheese is another classic American comfort food dish that is similar to Hamburger helper. Both dishes are delicious and filling, so you’ll want to serve them together.

You can add any kind of pasta to the Hamburger helper meal. You can even mix it up and try adding spaghetti, penne, rotini, bowtie, shells, etc. to the simple recipe. Just remember to keep the total weight of the dish under 1 pound per serving.

Macaroni and cheese are also a favorite among children. Kids love the combination of pasta and cheese, so you should consider serving it to your little ones as well.

2. Corn on the Cob

Hamburger helper is great for adding protein to meals without making a big deal out of it. Corn on the cob is another simple way to add a little bit of extra nutrition to your meal.

Cooking corn on the cob is super easy. Simply boil it in water and let it sit until it turns tender. Then, slather it with a dab of butter and sprinkle it with salt. Done!

You can also microwave it if you’re pressed for time. Just place it in a microwavable bowl and heat it on high for 2 minutes.

Slather your corn with butter, season with salt, and enjoy!

3. Grilled Peppers

A hamburger helper meal is a great choice for serving up grilled peppers. You’ll find sweet red, yellow, and orange peppers at your local grocery store. Grilling peppers bring out their natural sweetness and make them extra delicious.

Be sure to serve them alongside hamburgers or hot dogs. They add color and flavor to any meal.

You can grill the peppers directly on the stovetop or in the oven. Either way works well. Just remember to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.

4. Garden Salad

A garden salad is a great choice if you’re serving hamburger helper. You’ll get a nice crunch from the vegetables and a little bit of sweetness from the tomatoes. Plus, it’s super simple to prepare. All you need is lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, bell peppers, olives, feta cheese, and any other veggies you might have on hand. Throw it all in a bowl and drizzle with a tasty vinaigrette.

You can easily customize your garden salad by adding whatever veggies you have on hand. Try tossing in broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, radishes, zucchini, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, etc. Whatever you add, just make sure it adds color and variety to your salad.

Make a delicious garden salad and serve it alongside a hamburger helper!

5. Sauteed Mushrooms

Hamburger helper is a delicious meal that everyone loves. But if you’re not familiar with mushrooms, there’s no reason to avoid them. You can serve them alongside hamburger helpers without missing a beat.

Just saute them in butter until tender and add them to your favorite recipe. They’ll bring a fresh flavor to any dish. And since they’re so simple to prepare, you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to cook them.

6. Carrots

Carrots are a healthy vegetable that offers lots of nutrients and fiber. They’re also delicious, so you’ll enjoy serving them along with hamburger helpers.

Oven-roasted carrots give them a nice caramelized flavor. Try roasting them in a 400-degree F oven for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Then toss them in a bowl with a little bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until tender, about 15 minutes.

7. Broccoli

Broccoli adds nutrition without adding any extra work. All you need to do is boil it for two to three minutes, and it’s done.

You can also steam or roast broccoli if you have more time available. Either way, it’s going to add nutrition and crunch to your boxed meal.

8. Peach Cobbler

Hamburger helper is a great dish to serve with peach cobblers. You’ll find that it pairs well with any kind of fruit pie, including blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, apple, banana, etc.

You can easily make your homemade peach cobbler using frozen peaches and canned biscuits. Just mix 1 cup biscuit dough, 2 cups chopped fresh peaches, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, and 3 tablespoons butter until combined. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Top with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

9. Dinner Rolls

Dinner Rolls are great to serve with hamburgers. They’re delicious and make a great side dish. Plus, it’s super simple to prepare. All you need is a hamburger helper, hamburger buns, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and ketchup.

To add a little sweetness to your meal, try serving dinner rolls with honey butter. Honey garlic butter sauce adds a nice touch of sweetness to any food. Just mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of softened butter until smooth. Spread the mixture onto your dinner rolls and bake according to the package directions.

10. Cheese and Crackers

Hamburger helper is a delicious meal that comes in handy when you’re short on time. You can prep it quickly and easily with a little bit of effort. All you need is a package of hamburger helper, a couple of slices of cheese, and a plate.

Preparing this starter couldn’t be easier! Simply open a packet of your favorite cheese cracker, cut up any cheeses you may have in your fridge, and place them on an appetizer plate. Add a small bag of hamburger helpers to the mix and enjoy!

11. Green Beans

This recipe for Green Beans is super simple to make. You’ll only need a skillet, green beans, butter, and seasonings. Just stir them all together until they become buttery, crispy, tender, and delicious.

You can serve this dish with anything you’d like. It goes well with burgers, chicken, fish, pasta, rice, potatoes, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, etc.

Make this dish whenever you want some fiber for your meals!

12. Roasted Vegetables

Hamburger helper is great for roasting vegetables. You can roast any vegetable you’d like, including cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beets, potatoes, onions, etc. Just toss them in olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and bake at 400 degrees F until tender. Roast them in batches if necessary.

You’ll never run out of ideas for serving roasted vegetables with a hamburger helper. Try adding garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, or whatever else sounds good to you.

13. Fried Apples

This fried apple recipe is delicious and looks great served alongside hamburgers. You’ll find yourself making this dish quite frequently after trying it once!

A delicious dessert made from sweet and tart apple slices dipped into a sweet and spicy syrup and then fried until golden brown. Another Southern specialty is fried green tomatoes. Try serving them alongside burgers for a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy!

14. Creamy Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side that goes great with burgers. Creamy coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage mixed with mayo and seasonings. You can serve it with your burger as a delicious side dish.

You’ll find that the slightly creamy and sweet flavor mixes well with your main dish. It won’t leave you feeling stuffed after eating it.

Your guests will enjoy the colorful pieces of vegetables tossed in a tangy and seasoned mayo sauce.

15. The Apple Spinach Salad

This salad is a perfect summertime treat. It’s light and refreshing, and it tastes great with hamburgers. You’ll love it if you love apples and spinach!

You don’t even have to go out to buy anything special for this recipe. Just use whatever you have lying around the house.

You’ll toss all of them in a tangy champagne vinegar dressing, which makes you feel like you’ve gone to heaven.

16. Kale Salad

This recipe for Kale Salad is great for those who are trying to eat healthier. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and super tasty. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients and fiber. You’ll feel satisfied after eating this healthy meal.

You can serve this salad as a healthy side dish or as a main course. Just remember to keep the portions small. Don’t try to stuff yourself silly!

To prepare this salad, chop the kale leaves first. Next, chop the onions and garlic cloves. Now add the chopped ingredients into a large mixing container. Add the lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well until mixed. Finally, add the mixture to the bowl with the shredded Parmesan. Garnish with sliced almonds if desired.

Serve this delicious salad with hamburgers or any other meat dishes.

17. Roasted Bell Pepper

This recipe uses bell pepper as a classic side dish, but it can easily be turned into a burger topping or sandwich filling. Roasting bell peppers gives them a smoky and sweet flavor that makes them delicious. You’ll never forget the first bite after trying this recipe!

To roast bell peppers, simply place them directly on the stovetop burner and cook until they start to soften. Then remove them from heat and let them cool completely. Once cooled, slice off the stem end and cut the pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes inside the pepper halves. Place the pepper halves skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Turn the peppers over and bake for another 10 minutes. Let the peppers cool completely before using.

You can serve this roasted bell pepper as a side salad, sandwich filling, or burger topping. Try it out today!

18. Garlic Bread

This is a great dish to serve with burgers. It’s simple to prepare and tastes delicious. Plus, it makes a great appetizer or side dish.

You can add whatever herbs you’d like to give it a unique natural flavor. Try adding rosemary, thyme, or marjoram. These herbs pair well with garlic and cheese.

There is no fixed recipe here. Just pick whichever ingredients you enjoy most.

19. Lemon and Garlic Steamed Broccoli

This lemony and garlicky steamed broccolini is a delicious veggie side dish for your busy days when time is short and you don’t have the patience, skills, or brainpower to cook elaborate dishes for your family. You just need to follow these easy steps. Just toss everything in a pot and let it simmer away until done.

You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again. It’s a great side dish that will certainly jazz up your classic steamer broccoli.

20. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Hamburgers are great for serving with creamy mashed potatoes. You’ll find that the two complement each other perfectly. Creamy mashed potatoes are delicious and served alongside burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pasta, pizza, chicken wings, sour cream, fish sticks, and anything else that needs a little extra starch.

You can serve them warm or cold, depending on your preference. Either way, they are irresistible!

21. Sauteed Greens

These sauteed greens are a delicious side dish that tastes amazing with Hamburger Helper. They’re made with kale, collard greens, mustard greens, chard, spinach, and Swiss chard. All of these greens are high in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and folate. They’re also low in calories and fat.

Try serving these sauteed greens with Hamburger Helper today!

22. Biscuits

These biscuits are made using only four basic ingredients: flour, shortening/butter, baking powder, and salt. Baking powder helps the biscuits rise during cooking, and salt gives them an earthy flavor. These biscuits are simple to make and require no special equipment.

You’ll need flour (and yeast) to make these biscuits. Flour is used to thicken sauces and add texture to baked goods. Yeast is added to the dough to give it its characteristic rising action.

Mix the ingredients until they are completely combined, but leave the mixture slightly moist.

After you’ve made your dough, spread it out on a flat surface and press down on each cookie with another piece of parchment or plastic wrap to flatten it into perfect rounds. Place the biscuits in the oven for about 20 min.

Serve them after they’ve been cooked in the microwave.

23. Orzo with Chicken Sausage

This recipe for Orzo with Chicken Sausages is simple enough that anyone can whip it up. It’s also delicious and filling, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.

You’ll start by sauteeing onions and garlic until tender. Then add the chicken sausage and cook through. Next, toss in the orzo and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Finally, serve with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!

Serve this dish with Fried Chicken or Stir Fry for a quick and tasty meal.

24. Easy Marinated Tomatoes

Hamburger helper is a great meal option for families. Serve it with a variety of different toppings, including Easy Marinated Tomato Slices. They’re a wonderful and fresh side for Hamburger Helper.

Wash and dry tomatoes of any size, and cut them into nice thick pieces. Put the sliced onion in a bowl, then mash two whole garlic clove halves. Add the olive oil, red-wines vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Now, put the tomatoes in another bowl, and pour the marinade over them. Mix everything thoroughly. Let the tomatoes sit in the fridge overnight for the sweet flavors to develop.

Serve the marinated tomatoes alongside a hamburger helper for a quick and healthy dinner.

25. Broccoli Salad

This recipe for broccoli salad is great for serving with hamburgers. It’s healthy, and delicious and makes a great side dish. You’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again.

You can either serve this salad cold or warm. Cold salads are usually easier to eat, but if you prefer warmer food, simply heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

The broccoli should be cooked until tender, but not mushy. Blanching the broccoli briefly helps keep its color bright green.

26. Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

This recipe for Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad is great for serving alongside hamburgers. It’s loaded with healthy ingredients and tastes delicious. You’ll want to try it out!

You can find kale at most grocery stores now. Just look for packages labeled “baby kale”.

Wash, dry, and finely cut the leaves of the Kales. Whisk together the ingredients for the salad. Massage olive oil onto the leaves by hand until they become soft. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crushed breadcrumbs for crunch. Yum!

27. Grilled Tomatoes

Hamburger helper is a great dish to cook if you’ve only got a few minutes to spare. You’ll find that grilling tomatoes are a quick and easy way to prepare delicious food. All you need is a little bit of time and a grill pan.

To start, you’ll need to create a marinade of extra virgin olive oil, balsamico, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Once you’ve done that, simply slice the tomatoes through the center like wagon wheels and scoop out the pulp. Brush the tomato slices with the marinade and place them on the grill pan. Cook them for 4 minutes per side until they begin to char slightly. Flip them over and continue cooking for another 4 minutes.

You’ll find that grilling the tomatoes makes them taste amazing! Try serving them alongside hamburgers or chicken breasts.