The first boxed meal I tried was the Cheesy Hashbrowns boxed meal. Inside the box was a small bag of dehydrated shredded potatoes and a packet of cheese flavored powder. Per the instructions on the box, I browned a pound of hamburger, simmered/cooked the mixture until the edges looked crispy. When I tried to flip to sections of hashbrowns for even cooking/ crisping, it all became a jumbled mess. Ooops.  I mixed the cheese powder with milk for the topping and, quite honestly, it was disgusting.  It wouldn’t completely blend which resulted in a lumpy, semi-separated, liquid sauce. Off to the garbage it went. In the end, I sprinkled some cheddar cheese on top and called it good.

Overall, I wasn’t overly impressed with this product prepared as-is. The dish had a weird combo of chewy and crispy potato, with a greasy feeling in my mouth from the beef. I still can’t get over how gross that cheese sauce was!  I think that some tweaking could make it much better, though. For example, pairing the potatoes with sausage, eggs, and cheddar cheese instead of using hamburger and the powdered cheese sauce. Nevertheless, I think it is fantastic that there are more mainstream products for gluten free consumers.

Pros: shelf stable, easy prep

Cons: so-so flavor and texture.

Rating: 3 stars

Nutritional Snapshot per serving ( mix only, doesn’t include fat and calories from the beef): 110 calories, 1.5g fat, 760 mg sodium, 23g carbohydrates, 2 g. fiber and 2 g. protein

4 Responses to “Product Review: Hamburger Helper Classic Cheesy Hashbrowns – gluten free”

1. Rachel C.
   July 26th, 2010 @ 7:45 am

   This does not look appetizing at all. Probably won’t be one I will run out and buy. Let us know how the rest are.

   We occassionally use Mrs Lepers “hamburger helper” type boxes. They are edible but like you I add stuff to make it better. Works for when you are in a hurry.

2. Karen
   July 26th, 2010 @ 8:45 am

   I did use Hamburger Helper pre-Celiac when my children were little and I was on the poor side, struggling as a divorced mother of three. It was not good then, and I probably would never be tempted to buy it now even though it is gluten free. Some things just can’t be fixed.

3. Karen
   July 26th, 2010 @ 10:07 am

   True, I guess I am a sucker for GF labeling! I must say though, I gave this 3 stars for how good it is with modifications. As-is . . . much lower.

4. susan carter
   January 22nd, 2012 @ 12:25 pm

   where can i find the “cheesy hash brown” mix.
   Have been to all the local supermarkets, but they are not carrying it, any reason?
   thanks

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