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Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe
If you grew up on classic Hamburger Helper meals, you will enjoy this nostalgic twist, an Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe. It captures the original boxed meal’s comforting undertones while being slightly less sodium and more homemade. This one-skillet dinner is truly the perfect option for savory flavors from childhood with the option to make it even “healthier” or “more flavorful.”
While this version has been tweaked after several trials to get as close as possible to “genuine” flavor as we recalled, this version includes hearty rice, ground beef, and soy-based savory gravy. Warm, family-style meals come together easily on busy weeknights.
If you enjoy copy-cat classic recipes or one-skillet dinners, this recipe will do the trick. Easy to prepare, filling and satisfying, and loaded with nostalgia, this recipe is a trip down memory lane.
For more recipes like this, or you can find more delicious recipes on our site, including: Marlboro Chili Recipe, Uncle Ben’s Spanish Rice Recipe, or Carolina Gold Rice Recipe.
What Does Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Taste Like?
The Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe exhibits the creamy cheap flavor we all know and love of regular Hamburger Helper, but with a fresher, homemade quality. The rice absorbs the beef broth and soy-based gravy, resulting in a warm, salty, savory depth that taste filling, but also wholesome.
There are hints of ginger, garlic, and onion powder that help take the beef gravy flavor up one more notch from the boxed version. The reduced sodium ingredients promote a cleaner flavor that is less salty, of course, but also provides a better enhancement of the beef and rice flavors.
Besides being cozy and delicious, it presents a creamy texture to the dish while being light. This delicious meal can be served directly from the skillet for a down-home, rustic dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients Required for Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 cup long-grain rice (rinsed)
- 1 reduced-sodium brown gravy packet
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp ground ginger
- 1½ tsp garlic powder
- 3½ cups low-sodium beef broth or beef stock (divided)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- 12-inch cast iron skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing cup or bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lid for the skillet
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
How to Make Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper at home
1. Brown the Beef:
Using a medium heat (about a setting of 5), warm your cast iron skillet. Once it is warmed, add the ground beef and brown it. Then drain off the excess grease, leaving about a teaspoon in the pan for flavor.
2. Add Seasonings:
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger. Mix well to combine the seasonings so they coat the meat well.
3. Mix the Broth and Gravy:
In one measuring cup, pour in the beef broth and soy sauce (2 cups total) together, and stir. Then in a second measuring cup, whisk together the gravy packet and the remaining broth (1½ cups) until smooth (it’s ok to have small lumps as they will dissolve while cooking).
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add both broth mixtures into the skillet that has the seasoned beef. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Add the Rice:
Add the rinsed long grain rice. Then reduce the heat to low (on about a setting of 2-3). Top the pot with a lid and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the broth has been absorbed and the rice is soft.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once finished, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Taste it and add additional seasoning to your liking (you could add a little more garlic or soy sauce, for example) — and enjoy!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper
1. With Steamed Vegetables:
A simple mix of broccoli, carrots, and snap peas brings a crisp freshness that complements the savory rice perfectly. We love steaming them just until tender for that vibrant crunch.
2. Over Longhorn Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes Recipe:
Okay, this one’s indulgent – but trust us, spooning your Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper over creamy mashed potatoes is a comfort food dream come true. It’s the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs combo for cozy nights.
3. With a Side Salad:
A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. We usually toss ours with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a touch of lemon.
4. In Lettuce Wraps:
For a fun twist, scoop portions of the rice and beef mixture into large lettuce leaves. It’s a lighter way to enjoy the same bold flavors.
5. With Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini add a smoky sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the soy-based gravy.
6. With Garlic Bread:
We started serving it with garlic bread one night out of curiosity – and now it’s a regular thing. The buttery, garlicky crunch is irresistible alongside the tender rice.
7. With Fried Eggs on Top:
A sunny-side-up egg adds extra richness. The runny yolk mixed with the seasoned rice? Absolute perfection.
8. Stuffed in Bell Peppers:
We’ve used leftovers to stuff halved bell peppers, then baked them with a sprinkle of cheddar. It turns this skillet dinner into an entirely new meal.
9. Served with Kimchi or Pickled Veggies:
The tangy bite of kimchi or quick-pickled cucumbers gives a refreshing contrast to the savory, slightly sweet beef and rice.
10. With a Sprinkle of Shredded Cheese and Scallions:
When we want to dress it up, we top it with a little sharp cheddar and some green onions. It adds color, texture, and just enough richness to make every bite pop.
Some Tips on This Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe
1. Use a big pan.
A large skillet gives the rice room to cook and soak up all the yummy broth.
2. Rinse the rice first.
Wash your rice with water until it runs clear. This helps it cook soft and not sticky.
3. Brown the meat well.
Cook the ground beef until it’s nice and brown. That makes the flavor extra tasty.
4. Don’t skip the gravy packet.
The gravy mix gives this recipe its rich, warm flavor – it’s the secret ingredient!
5. Stir, but not too much.
After you add the rice, stir once and then let it cook quietly. Too much stirring makes mushy rice.
6. Keep the lid on.
Don’t peek too soon! The rice cooks best when the steam stays trapped inside the pan.
7. Lower the salt.
If you use regular soy sauce, taste before adding more salt – it can get salty fast.
8. Add more veggies if you like.
Peas, carrots, or even a few green onions can make it colorful and fun to eat.
9. Let it rest a minute.
When the rice is done, turn off the heat and wait 5 minutes. This makes it fluffier.
10. Top it your way!
Sprinkle a little cheese, or add some crispy onions or bacon bits if you want to make it extra special.
How to Store and Reheat Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper
You can put any extra dish leftovers (if you have any leftovers) in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container and they will last up to about three days. To reheat, first add a splash of beef broth or water into the dish. It is recommended that you heat it up on low heat on the stove, or in a microwave. The microwave might be easier, which is fine, just be sure to stir after you heat in 30 second intervals. This is to ensure the rice stays fluffy and doesn’t dry out.
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Common Queries on This Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper that people often ask.
1. What is Hamburger Helper made of?
From our experience, classic Hamburger Helper is made from a combination of pasta or rice, powdered sauce mix, and seasonings – designed to be cooked with ground beef. The original Oriental Rice version featured rice instead of noodles, along with a soy-based gravy and mild seasoning blend. Our homemade version keeps that same comforting base but uses fresh ingredients like low-sodium beef broth, garlic powder, and ginger for a richer, cleaner flavor.
2. Why was Rice Oriental Hamburger Helper discontinued?
The Rice Oriental flavor was sadly discontinued years ago, likely due to low sales and shifting consumer trends toward “cheesier” or “Tex-Mex” varieties. We were huge fans of it growing up, so we recreated it from memory – adjusting flavors until it tasted just right. This copycat recipe is the closest we’ve ever come to the original boxed favorite!
3. What kind of rice is best for rice burgers or this recipe?
We recommend long-grain white rice because it cooks up fluffy and separate rather than sticky. It absorbs flavors beautifully without clumping. We’ve tested this recipe with jasmine and basmati too – both work well, but long-grain white rice gives that true “Hamburger Helper” texture most people remember.
4. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will change the texture and cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more liquid, so you’ll need to increase the beef broth by about ½ cup and simmer it for at least 35–40 minutes. We’ve tried it both ways – the brown rice version has a nuttier flavor, but it’s not quite as soft and nostalgic as the original.
5. How can I make this Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper lower in sodium?
We learned that small swaps make a big difference! Use low-sodium beef broth, reduced-sodium soy sauce, and a low-sodium gravy packet. You can also add fresh garlic and onion powder for flavor instead of extra salt. These adjustments helped us reduce the saltiness while keeping all that savory depth intact.
6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! We’ve tested it with peas, diced carrots, and chopped bell peppers – all taste great. Just make sure to add them after browning the beef so they cook evenly in the simmering broth. While the original boxed version didn’t include veggies, adding them gives a nice pop of color and nutrition without changing the flavor too much.
7. What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles all work well here. We’ve tried them all! The key is adjusting the seasonings slightly – lighter meats benefit from a bit more garlic and soy sauce. For a richer taste similar to beef, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
8. How do I keep the rice from sticking or becoming mushy?
The secret is rinsing your rice before cooking and maintaining a low simmer once the broth starts to boil. We’ve found that leaving the lid on the skillet and resisting the urge to stir helps the rice steam properly. Using a heavy cast iron pan also prevents uneven heat spots that cause sticking.
9. Can I double the recipe for meal prep or a family dinner?
Definitely! We’ve doubled it several times when cooking for a crowd. Just make sure to use a large skillet or Dutch oven and extend the simmering time by about 5–7 minutes. The flavors actually get better as they sit, so it’s great for next-day leftovers.
10. What can I serve with Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper?
We usually pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. Sometimes we top it with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or crispy onions if we’re craving extra flavor. It’s a complete meal on its own, but those little touches make it feel extra special.
Recreating the Oriental Rice Hamburger Helper Recipe has been such a delightful trip down memory lane. It is amazing how even a simple skillet meal can conjure up so many family dinner memories — from the warm smell of simmering beef and rice to the familiar savory flavor that made it a weeknight staple.This homemade recipe shows that you don’t need a box to bring the same nostalgic flavors to your dinner table just some pantry staples, a good skillet, and some patience. Whether you came up eating Hamburger Helper or this is the first time you’re ever heard of it, this copycat version will give you that same comforting warm feeling, but with a fresher, lower-sodium spin.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more of our classics like Marlboro Chili Recipe, Uncle Ben’s Spanish Rice Recipe, and Carolina Gold Rice Recipe. Share your version or tag us in your recipe — we love to see your recreations!
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