Hamburger Helper Venetian Noodles
Creamy Venetian-inspired noodles with beef, mushrooms, and herbs, topped with melted mozzarella—comforting, flavorful, and perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. Hamburger Helper beef noodle dinner ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. instant minced onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. instant minced garlic
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. creamed cottage cheese (small curd) ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. mushrooms, thickly sliced ⓘ
- 1 small clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil; add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and oregano.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, drained tomatoes, drained mushrooms, and minced onion; cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook Hamburger Helper beef noodle dinner according to package instructions.
- Mix cooked noodles with the tomato and mushroom mixture.
- Stir in creamed cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked ground beef or turkey to the noodle mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the creamed cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. Fresh herbs can enhance flavor—feel free to use fresh basil and parsley instead of dried. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the perfect balance.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a variation, explore other Italian recipes that include pasta to mix things up throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil; bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hamburger Helper Venetian Noodles contains roughly 577 calories, with 23g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (132% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 691mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the shredded mozzarella cheese with any cheese of your choice, such as cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on your choice.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the Hamburger Helper and use a vegetable-based pasta instead. Add additional vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to keep it filling and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).