Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s both delicious and completely vegan? Look no further than this mouthwatering Vegan Sweet Heat Barbecue Hamburger Helper! Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines the satisfying texture of elbow macaroni with savory vegan ground meat, all smothered in a rich barbecue sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add a plant-based twist to your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package (12 oz) vegan ground meat
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the onion and bell pepper finely. Measure out all other ingredients precisely.
- Heat a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pan, sautéing until they become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce vegan ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the plant-based meat is browned and heated through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the meat and vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour in vegetable broth and elbow macaroni, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add barbecue sauce, mixing well to ensure even coating of all components.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness - it should be tender but not mushy. If needed, add a small amount of additional broth.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Plate in individual portions, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your onion and bell pepper in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss them into the skillet when you’re ready to cook.
- Choose Your Barbecue Sauce Wisely: The flavor of your dish will largely depend on the barbecue sauce you choose. Opt for a sauce that has a balance of sweetness and heat to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the elbow macaroni as it simmers. You want it to be tender but still have a bit of bite to it. If it starts to get too soft, it can turn mushy and lose its texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: After plating, consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a drizzle of additional barbecue sauce for that extra pop of flavor.
- Make It a Meal: Serve your Vegan Sweet Heat Barbecue Hamburger Helper with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out your meal and add some extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
