What Can You Substitute For Milk In Hamburger Helper? Solved

Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by Shari Mason

Creating a delicious Hamburger Helper dish can be a great solution for a quick and easy dinner.

However, for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, milk may not be an option for adding to the dish. Fortunately, there are some great substitutes for milk that can help you still enjoy this classic meal. 

So what can you substitute for milk in Hamburger Helper? Let’s find out.

Top 12 Substitutes For Milk In Hamburger Helper

1. Water 

You can replace the milk in Hamburger Helper with water. To do this, substitute an equal amount of water for the milk called for in the instructions. 

For example, if the instructions call for 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of water instead.

This substitution works best in sauces and soups, but you may need to adjust the seasoning to taste.

Read: How Long Is Hamburger Helper Good In The Fridge?

2. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is often a great substitute for milk in Hamburger Helper. Cream cheese can add richness, creaminess, and flavor to the finished meal.

Cream cheese also adds protein and healthy fat while limiting the amount of saturated fat in the final product.

This is especially beneficial when cooking dishes with higher-fat ground beef.

Additionally, this substitution works well with many of the different varieties of Hamburger Helper currently available in stores or online.

Cream cheese is an easy solution for those looking for a creamy texture without using cow’s milk.

Read: Can You Use Frozen Hamburger Patties As Ground Beef?

3. Sour Cream 

Sour cream is a great option to help thicken the sauce while adding rich creaminess. Sour cream is also a good protein source, making it an ideal substitution. 

Read: How Long Do Cooked Hamburgers Last In The Fridge?

4. Shredded Cheese 

You can add shredded cheese to your Hamburger Helper instead of milk. Shredded cheese helps thicken the sauce and gives it an extra layer of comforting flavor.

Shredded cheese is a great substitution if you want to turn your Hamburger Helper into a cheesy casserole.

5. Vegan Milk

Vegan milk is a great alternative for recipes that don’t include dairy products.

Hamburger Helper, a popular mix of noodles and spices, calls for milk as an ingredient; however, it is easy to substitute any vegan milk in the same quantity.

Popular options include unsweetened oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and even cashew milk.

The choice of which vegan milk to use depends on the dietary restrictions of the individual eating it and their desired flavor preference.

Vegan milk also has lighter fat than traditional cow’s milk and is lower in cholesterol as they don’t contain any animal proteins.

Read: Can You Make A Roux With Almond Milk?

6. Butter 

Butter is commonly used as a substitute for milk, making for a creamy texture that mimics the richness of regular milk.

Butter can also add a subtle but flavorful taste, which adds depth and character to the meal.

7. Evaporated Milk 

Evaporated milk is a great substitute for regular milk in Hamburger Helper recipes.

Evaporated milk will create a thicker consistency, helping the flavors mesh and combine better throughout the dish; this isn’t much different than if you had used regular cow’s milk.

Evaporated milk can be purchased at most local grocery stores in the baking or canned goods section.

8. Powdered Milk

Powdered milk and unsweetened nondairy milk are both excellent substitutes. Powdered milk is an easy and cost-effective option, as it can be stored for longer and reconstituted whenever needed.

Follow the instructions on the container to mix it with water and add it to your Hamburger Helper recipe instead of regular milk.

Read: Part Skim Mozzarella vs Whole Milk

9. Cream

Cream can be a tasty and easy alternative to milk in some Hamburger Helper dishes. Cream-based sauces tend to make the dish creamier and richer; they can also provide an added flavor boost.

When using cream, it’s best to opt for a low-fat or no-fat version, so the dish is still healthy.

Cream is also great when mixed with other liquids, such as broth or stock, to give the dish an additional layer of texture and savoriness.

10. Stock

For those with lactose intolerance or flexitarian diets, hamburger helper isn’t necessarily off the table.

Stock, or broth, can be used as a substitute for milk in many recipes like this one.

Stock can provide the same creamy texture you expect from milk without the allergens. If you don’t have store-bought stock, it’s easy to make at home with carrots, celery, and onions.

11. Mayonnaise

A great way to replace the milk in this dish is Mayonnaise. Mix Mayonnaise into the hamburger and sauce mix before adding your favorite pasta.

Mayonnaise [1] helps add creaminess and texture to the dish and gives it a subtle yet savory flavor.

“The ingredients of a hamburger seldom vary. It’s a percentage of fat to lean meat, add salt and prepare and that’s it. It shouldn’t need a recipe.”

– Anthony Bourdain, American Chef/Author/Travel Documentarian

Whether vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply out of milk at home, Mayonnaise is an excellent option to keep as a substitute when preparing Hamburger Helper.

12. Coconut Milk Or Coconut Cream

Coconut milk and Coconut cream are slightly different in that It has more of a higher fat content, making them longer lasting, but Coconut milk still works just as well for your meals.

Coconut milk also adds an interesting subtle flavor to your Hamburger Helper that’s unique and tasty.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Overall, many great substitutes for milk can be used in Hamburger Helper. 

You have various options, from plant-based kinds of milk to broths and creams. Be sure to choose the one that best suits your diet and preferences. 

You may even prefer the taste of one of these substitutes over traditional milk.

References:

1. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/basic-mayonnaise
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318612