The Hands-Down Best Hamburger Helper Variety Wasn't The One We Expected

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"Spicy" might not be a characteristic most home cooks think of when they hear the name "Hamburger Helper." Neither did we ... until recently. Here at Tasting Table, we're typically zhuzhing up our Hamburger Helper with ingredients like mushrooms, diced onion, and peas — but not spice. Nonetheless, in our definitive ranking of eight Hamburger Helper flavors, Spicy Garlic Parmesan surprised us by topping the ranks.

Foodies trust Hamburger Helper as a pantry staple for last-minute mid-week dinners. With this flavorful upgrade, the classic, convenient comfort food gets a mildly spicy elevation. We gave Spicy Garlic Parmesan high marks for its accessible-yet-impactful heat. Even foodies with low spice tolerances will find much to love within this flavorful box; the heat level is pleasant without being overpowering. As our taste-tester noted, "Even Lefty, the helping hand, gets a different look on this box. He trades out his standard wooden mixing spoon for a glass thermometer." Although, rather than ultra-hot, the meal arrives creamy, luscious, rich, and garlicky: "A blend of cheddar, blue, and Parmesan cheeses gives it some additional complexity, along with small bits of red bell pepper," and a finishing note of red-pepper-flake-esque spice. 

As with all Hamburger Helper flavors, the price remains affordable but varies somewhat from one grocery retailer to the next. A six-ounce box runs for $4.98 at Walmart and $2.49 at Amazon. Wherever you happen to find this bold little box, it belongs in your shopping cart.

Walmart customer reviews give the product an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars average, writing "[D]efinitely surprised me in a good way. The sauce has a creamy, cheesy base with just the right amount of garlic flavor, and the spice gives it a nice little kick without being overwhelming." Other foodies agree: "[T]he taste is really good! We loved the flavor of it and it wasn't overwhelming. It pairs well with chicken." Amazon customers similarly rave that it's "so versatile" and give the product 4.2 out of 5 stars. Multiple reviewers appreciate that this product is high in flavor without being too spicy, and others suggest serving it as a side dish. It'd pair fabulously alongside savory non-meat entrees like black bean burgers or mushroom risotto.

To assemble, simply add a pound of ground beef, water, milk, and butter to the included rotini noodles and real cheese sauce packet. The meal is made with real garlic, and it's ready to eat in about 30 minutes. But, prep doesn't have to stop there. One of the most beloved aspects of Hamburger Helper is its potential for customizability. To quell the heat, foodies could add a few generous spoonfuls of canned corn and a dollop of sour cream into the mix. Or, the official brand website suggests alterations like swapping the ground beef for shredded chicken and adding sliced mushrooms, fresh grated parmesan, and basil leaves.