Tempeh Helper (Hamburger Helper Copycat)
A vegan one-pot tempeh helper that tastes nostalgic like Hamburger Helper, thanks for an easy seasoning blend. Crumbled tempeh, small pasta shells, and a generous pour of cheesy sauce on top. Ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the tempeh helper:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz tempeh
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 6 oz small shell pasta about 1 cup
For the seasoning mix:
- 2 teaspoons onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons broth powder Frontier chicken-style is great here
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot or cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
For serving:
- 1 batch Easy Breezy Cheesy Sauce link to recipe
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Have a lid ready.Drizzle the oil in the pan and crumble or tear the tempeh into bite-sized pieces, adding them to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned.
- While the tempeh browns, mix all the seasoning ingredients together in a bowl.
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the tempeh to deglaze the pan. Add the 3 cups of water and the seasoning mix, stirring to combine. Add the pasta and cover.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring once. Remove the lid and cook for another 3 minutes or so, until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking.
- Taste for salt.
- Make the Easy Breezy Cheesy Sauce while the pasta simmers. Serve the helper hot, topped generously with cheesy sauce.
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