If you’re like me, meal planning and grocery shopping can feel like a daunting task. That’s why, years ago, I turned to meal kits to make my life easier. Having tried dozens of different options, HelloFresh has become one of my favorites.
It’s one of the few meal kits I’ve tried that is consistently delicious, offers a wide variety of crowd-pleasing meals, and has a diverse set of recipes that allow me to cook everything from simple one-pot meals to more gourmet options.
Today, I want to share what I believe to be the best HelloFresh meals that have become my go-to’s when I see their recipes pop up on their menu.
Whether you’re a HelloFresh newbie or a seasoned pro, I hope my favorite HelloFresh meals help you discover some new favorites of your own!
Chicken Ramen in a Shoyu-Style Broth with Mushrooms, Chili Garlic Oil & Crispy Onions
This dish is a sophisticated and elevated take on the classic comfort food, ramen. The broth is infused with soy and is full of rich and savory flavor, which pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach. The homemade chili-garlic oil adds a nice spicy kick to the dish, while the crispy onions provide a nice textural contrast.
As someone who hasn’t really experienced much good ramen in their life, I can say with confidence this is some of the best ramen I’ve ever had. Each spoonful of this dish is a soul-stirring and satisfying experience.
I usually see this meal pop up on the menu during the Fall and Winter months and any time I do see it I add it to my box.
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Beef Tenderloin with Brown Butter Roasted Veggies and Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
This dish is a true indulgence. The beef tenderloin is the star of the show—it’s incredibly tender and flavorful. The shallot pan sauce that’s drizzled over it adds an extra layer of savory goodness that’s simply divine. But what really sets this meal apart are the sides. The creamy Parmesan mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to the beef, while the roasted carrots and parsnips tossed with nutty brown butter add a nutty and slightly sweet element to the dish.
I’m not usually a fan of parsnips but tossing them in brown butter completely changed my perspective of them.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Melty Monterey Jack Burgers with Red Onion Jam, Garlic Mayo & Crispy Potato Wedges
As a burger lover, I have tried countless burger recipes, but nothing compares to the Melty Monterey Jack Burgers from HelloFresh.
This burger is loaded with oozy, melty Monterey Jack cheese and topped with balsamic red onion jam that gives it a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. The garlic mayo makes every bite pure heaven. And let’s not forget about the crispy potato wedges that come with it! They are perfectly seasoned and pair so well with the burger.
Food Box HQ Note: There are a few burgers from HelloFresh that are truly delicious—the Melty Monterey Jack Burgers being one. But if you’re like me and love a good burger, you should also check out their Juicy Lucy Burgers. It’s a weird name but these burgers have a hidden surprise… The inside is packed with cheese!
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Lobster BLTs with a Caesar Side Salad
This Lobster BLT is the ultimate indulgent sandwich that combines two of my summer favorites: the BLT and the lobster roll. As a bacon and lobster lover, this sandwich is a dream come true.
The recipe calls for cooking the lobster in the pan drippings of the bacon, resulting in a crispy, savory, and flavorful twist on the traditional lobster roll. The addition of crispy bacon, juicy tomato slices, and fresh lettuce takes this sandwich to a whole new level. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Caesar side salad is also loaded with bacon. This meal is a treat and honestly has me wishing I could order it from every sandwich shop.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Firecracker Meatballs with Roasted Green Beans & Sesame Rice
After trying both the beef and pork versions of the firecracker meatballs, I have to say that the beef is the clear winner in my book.
But let’s talk about the real star of the show here: the firecracker sauce. This creamy and irresistible sauce takes these meatballs to a whole new level. The blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors perfectly complements the tender and juicy beef meatballs. I could honestly eat this sauce with a spoon.
To add some texture and balance out the flavors, the dish is served with roasted green beans and sesame rice. The nutty flavor of the sesame seeds in the rice and the crispy texture of the green beans make for the perfect accompaniment to the firecracker meatballs. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti with Fresh Herbs, Almonds & Parmesan
This Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti is a “Hall of Fame” recipe in on the HelloFresh menu for a reason. It’s a classic and reliable dish that I can always count on to satisfy my pasta cravings.
What sets this dish apart is the perfect combination of sun-dried tomatoes, juicy grape tomatoes, and fresh herbs that create a medley of flavors in every bite. I make sure to cook the spaghetti al dente and allow it to soak up all the delicious tomato goodness.
One of my favorite parts of this dish is the added crunch from the toasted almonds, which provides a perfect textural contrast. And of course, no pasta dish would be complete without a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Whenever I need a comforting and reliable pasta dish, this Sun-Dried Tomato Spaghetti is usually my go-to.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Cheesy Fried Eggs over Nacho Potato Hash with Pico de Gallo & Smoky Red Pepper Crema
Whoever thinks breakfast for dinner isn’t a good idea, clearly hasn’t tried HelloFresh’s Cheesy Fried Eggs over Nacho Potato Hash. This recipe is hands down one of my favorite “brinners” that never fails to satisfy.
The crispy potato hash, made with Yukon Golds, bell pepper, and onion, is the perfect base for this dish. It’s then topped with cheesy fried eggs, adding an extra layer of flavor and richness to the already hearty meal. The pico de gallo adds a nice freshness to the dish, while the smoky red pepper crema brings a delicious and slightly spicy kick.
This meal takes a little more time to prep and cook but it’s so worth it in the end.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Pecan-Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce & Lemony Apple Salad
As someone who loves a good chicken dish, this pecan-crusted chicken with honey mustard sauce is one of my all-time favorite HelloFresh chicken meals. The crunchy pecan crust, coated in a creamy honey mustard sauce, is a flavor and texture explosion in every bite. The topping gets crispy in the oven while the chicken stays juicy and tender, making for the perfect texture and taste combination.
But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there—on the side, there’s a refreshing salad with mixed greens, tart apples, and a tangy lemony dressing that compliments the chicken perfectly.
This recipe is one of HelloFresh’s hall of fame dishes for good reason—it’s an elevated weeknight dinner that I can get on the table in less than half an hour.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas with Pico de Gallo & Southwest Spice
As someone who doesn’t typically go for HelloFresh’s Calorie Smart options, I have to say that the Chicken Pineapple Quesadillas had me intrigued from the start. There was just something about the combination of savory chicken, melty mozzarella, and sweet pineapple that caught my attention. And when I took my first bite, I was hooked.
The Southwest spice blend adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick, while the pineapple gives it a burst of freshness that takes it to the next level. The addition of the fresh and tangy pico de gallo on top is just the cherry on top of an already fantastic meal.
I love that this recipe is a fun and creative twist on classic quesadillas. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings without feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s so easy to make that it’s become a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Pub-Style Shepherd’s Pie with White Cheddar & Thyme Mashed Potatoes
This Pub-Style Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food and one of my personal favorite comfort meals from HelloFresh. Funny enough, I’m not usually a fan of shepherd’s pie but there was something special about this recipe that caught my attention when I first saw it. Plus, I saw people raving about it over on the /r/HelloFresh reddit forum.
The beef filling was loaded with fresh veggies and aromatic herbs, and the tangy tomato base added a nice kick. But what really sets this recipe apart is the creamy and cheesy mashed potato topping. The thyme and white cheddar gave it a pub-style twist that I can’t resist. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s a massive portion in each serving.
Although the recipe is a bit involved, it’s all cooked in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, after one bite you’ll understand why this recipe has earned a spot in HelloFresh’s Hall of Fame.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Hard
Homestyle Chicken & Biscuit Pot Pie with Carrots, Celery & Fresh Thyme
I’m a huge fan of chicken pot pie, in fact, I love it so much that I’ve been known to ask for it every year on my birthday! So, when I saw that HelloFresh had a Homestyle Chicken & Biscuit Pot Pie recipe that also made it into their Hall of Fame, I knew I had to give it a try.
The creamy filling is packed with juicy chicken breast strips, aromatic thyme, and sautéed garlic and veggies. But the real star of the dish is the flaky, buttery biscuit crust that’s crispy on the outside and oh-so-soft on the inside.
The smell of the thyme-infused filling and the buttery aroma of the biscuit crust will make your mouth water before you even take a bite. And when you do take that first bite, you’ll be transported to comfort food heaven. It’s amazing how the biscuit crust can be such a time-saver while still delivering that homemade, comforting taste that we all love.
As someone who could eat chicken pot pie every day, this Homestyle Chicken & Biscuit Pot Pie has definitely earned a spot on my favorites list.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Yogurt-Marinated Chicken & Garlic Sauce with a side of Pistachio Couscous & Chili Roasted Carrots
I know what you might be thinking—yogurt and chicken might sound like a weird flavor combination, but trust me when I say that the flavors in this dish come together perfectly. The yogurt not only makes the chicken more juicy but also imparts a distinct tangy flavor that is incredibly unique and delicious.
The dish is served with a side of perfectly cooked pistachio couscous and chili-roasted carrots, which add a wonderfully nutty crunch and a subtle kick of spice to the meal. And let’s not forget about the creamy, garlicky sauce that ties everything together. It’s one of those sauces that you’ll want to drizzle over everything on your plate.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Italian Chicken & Pepper Sandos with Potato Wedges & Tangy Garlic Sauce
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a good sandwich and HelloFresh’s Italian Chicken & Pepper Sandos definitely hits the spot. The herby, Italian-seasoned chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the sautéed peppers and onions add a nice crunch and sweetness to the mix. But what really takes this sandwich to the next level is the gooey melted mozzarella and tangy garlic sauce. All of it is piled high on garlic butter baguettes, making it a sandwich that has easily become one of my favorites. This is another sandwich I wish I could order at every deli!
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Beef Tenderloin and Burst Balsamic Tomatoes with Cheesy Potato Rounds and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Move over pasta sauce, there’s a new tomato sauce in town and it’s about to take your taste buds on a flavor journey!
This recipe is a testament to how grape tomatoes can make a dish shine. They caramelize and burst in the pan, creating a silky sauce that pairs perfectly with melt-in-your-mouth beef tenderloin.
Now let’s talk about the sides…
Crispy Parmesan potato rounds and tender roasted Brussels sprouts round out this hearty and delicious meal. The Parmesan adds a rich, sharp, and salty note to the potatoes, and the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection with a slightly caramelized exterior.
This dish is an explosion of flavors and textures that always leaves me wanting more.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
One-Pan Trattoria Tortelloni Bake with a Crispy Parmesan Panko Topping
I must confess… I have a weakness for cheesy stuffed pasta, and this one-pan trattoria tortelloni bake just took it to the next level.
The tender pasta is stuffed with delicious cheese and coated in a heavenly herb-infused tomato cream sauce. But wait, it gets even better! The dish is finished off with a crispy Parmesan and panko breadcrumb topping, adding a golden crunch that is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it all comes together in one pan, making it a breeze to clean up.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Creamy Mushroom Cavatappi with Scallions & Parmesan
When I saw this recipe on the menu I was very excited to try it, being a huge fan of both pasta and mushrooms. The sliced mushrooms were the true standout, bringing that unmistakably rich earthy flavor that I absolutely adore. But this dish is so much more than just mushrooms.
The cavatappi spirals were coated in a velvety garlic herb sauce that was bursting with flavor in every bite. And the generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese? Let’s just say it took this dish to new heights of deliciousness. If you’re a fan of bold, umami-rich flavors, you absolutely need to give this pasta a try.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Epic Nacho Mac ’n’ Cheese with a Tortilla Chip Crust, Poblano & Smoky Red Pepper Crema
When I saw HelloFresh’s Epic Nacho Mac ‘n’ Cheese, I knew I had to try it. The dish combines two classic comfort foods into one epic dinner, with creamy spiced cheddar sauce covering twirly cavatappi noodles. But what really makes it stand out is the crunchy blue corn tortilla chip crust on top, which adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the creamy pasta. Honestly, it’s something I wouldn’t have ever thought to add on my own but it makes so much sense in this dish. I usually keep a few tortilla chips to the side and use them to dip in the cheese.
To top everything off, there’s a smoky red pepper crema, scallions, and hot sauce for that extra kick.
This is not your average mac ‘n’ cheese, but a bold and delicious take that’ll have your taste buds begging for more.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick-Pickled Veggies and Chili Sour Cream
I’m always up for trying new flavor combinations, especially when it comes to one of my favorite foods: tacos. That’s why HelloFresh’s Sesame Beef Tacos immediately caught my attention. The Korean-style sesame beef filling is packed with bold flavors thanks to the gochugaru chili flakes used in dishes like kimchi and bulgogi. It’s an unconventional twist on the classic taco, but it definitely delivers in terms of taste.
What really sets these tacos apart is the chili sour cream sauce. It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and adds the perfect amount of coolness to the dish. All of these delicious elements are wrapped up in a soft tortilla for the perfect bite. If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, these tacos will be right up your alley.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Spicy Peruvian Chicken and Loaded Rice with Pickled Jalapeño & Creamy Salsa Verde
When it comes to discovering new cuisines, HelloFresh has always been my go-to. Their Spicy Peruvian Chicken and Loaded Rice dish recently caught my eye with its bold and exciting flavors.
The rice is not your average side dish either, as it’s loaded with fresh tomatoes, scallions, and lime for a zesty kick. But the real showstopper is the creamy cilantro sauce, with its tangy lime and spicy pickled jalapeño flavors. I couldn’t get enough of it and found myself drizzling it over everything on my plate, including the chicken and rice.
Peruvian cuisine is known for its bold and unique flavors, and this dish definitely lived up to that reputation. It’s a new favorite of mine and I can’t wait to make it again!
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Winner Winner Chicken Orzo Dinner with Cheesy Roasted Zucchini and Tomato
I was intrigued by the Winner Winner Chicken Orzo Dinner recipe from HelloFresh, particularly the cheesy roasted zucchini since I’ve never had roasted zucchini before. It didn’t disappoint!
The panko, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend creates a crispy and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the zucchini and tomato. The herbed chicken breast is simple yet flavorful, and the lemony orzo adds a light and refreshing touch. This meal is the perfect balance of delicious and satisfying.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Mushroom & Chive Risotto swirled with Garlic Herb Butter
If you think you can only indulge in a rich, creamy risotto at fancy Italian restaurants, this Mushroom & Chive Risotto meal from HelloFresh is going to blow your mind.
This dish is bursting with flavor from the garlicky butter and crispy mushrooms, and the juicy burst of tomatoes adds a refreshing tanginess. But the real star of the show is the garlic herb butter, which swirls perfectly into the risotto to create an explosion of savory goodness.
The only downside? It’s a bit tedious to cook. The recipe requires you to add the stock to the rice mixture in increments, stirring until the liquid has mostly absorbed before adding more. This process takes about 25-30 minutes and can be a bit time-consuming.
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Italian Sunday Supper with Parmesan Pork Meatballs, Buttered Tortelloni, Lemony Broccoli, and Garlic Ciabatta
As an Italian food lover, I couldn’t wait to try out HelloFresh’s Italian Sunday Supper. And let me tell you, even though I’m not usually a fan of pork, this meal was delicious!
The Parmesan pork meatballs were baked to perfection in a bubbling marinara sauce, and the melted mozzarella cheese on top made them even more irresistible. The buttery cheese tortelloni paired perfectly with the light charred broccoli and lemon slices, adding a refreshing citrusy twist. And let’s not forget about the garlic bread – it was so crispy and flavorful that we almost couldn’t get enough of it.
This meal was a feast for the senses and truly felt like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. If it wasn’t so time-intensive to make I would definitely adding it to my weekly rotation.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Spicy Maple Chicken with Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Roasted Green Beans
If you’re a chicken aficionado like me, you know how versatile and satisfying it can be. But HelloFresh has taken things up a notch with their Spicy Maple Chicken dish. At first, I was hesitant about the combination of maple and spice, but let me tell you, it works. The chicken cutlets are coated in spiced panko and roasted to a perfect crispy and juicy texture. The star of the show is the spicy maple syrup sauce that’s drizzled on top.
It’s a unique flavor combination that I never would have thought of on my own, but it somehow just works. And the sides—roasted green beans and maple mashed sweet potatoes—are the perfect complement to the chicken and sauce. Trust me, this is a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Duck a l’Orange with Duck Fat Mashed Potatoes & Arugula Almond Salad
You might think that a dish as indulgent as duck à l’orange would be reserved for fancy French restaurants, but HelloFresh has managed to bring that luxurious taste to anyone’s kitchen with their Duck a l’Orange recipe.
I was blown away by the combination of the pan-seared duck and the savory-sweet, thyme-infused orange sauce. And let’s not forget about the duck fat mashed potatoes, which are creamy and oh-so-decadent. The dish is perfectly balanced with an arugula salad that adds a burst of freshness and flavor, with juicy orange segments, pickled shallots, and crunchy almonds.
The unique blend of flavors might seem unusual, but surprisingly, they work together in the most delicious way possible.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
“Little Ears” Pasta with Italian Pork Sausage, Baby Broccoli, and Pesto
The orecchiette pasta, aptly named for its ear-like shape, provides the perfect base for this dish. But what really sets it apart is the delicious combination of baby broccoli and sweet Italian sausage, which come together in perfect culinary harmony. Let’s not forget about the star of the show—the ever so flavorful pesto sauce! The sauce, packed with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, adds an extra layer of deliciousness to each and every bite.
As someone who loves trying new recipes but like to keep things efficient while cooking, I was pleasantly surprised by how simple and straightforward it was to prepare this dish.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Chili-Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Monterey Jack and Hot Sauce Crema
I have always been a fan of chili, but HelloFresh has taken it to a whole new world with their Chili-Loaded Sweet Potatoes recipe. The chili is packed with zesty long green pepper, umami-rich stock concentrate, and a signature Southwest spice blend that takes the flavors to the next level. But here’s the real kicker: they serve it all on top of a baked sweet potato.
The combination of the savory chili and sweet potato is absolutely perfect. And if that wasn’t enough, they add a dollop of hot sauce crema to top it all off. Although I know every time I have this meal it’s bound to give me heartburn, it’s worth it!
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Tomato Spaghetti
I don’t know about you, but I love a good Italian feast, and this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Lemon Tomato Spaghetti from HelloFresh is a winner.
The crispy layer of Parmesan cheese on the chicken brings a savory and nutty taste that perfectly complements the tender meat. Plus, the spaghetti is simply divine, with its juicy roasted tomatoes and creamy lemon sauce that strikes a perfect balance with the richness of the chicken. It’s the perfect meal to satisfy your craving for Italian flavors and make you dream of wandering through the rolling hills of Tuscany.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Beef Flautas Supreme with Pico de Gallo & Lime Crema
As a big fan of Mexican cuisine, I have a soft spot for classic tacos, but sometimes I get the itch to try something new. That’s why I was excited to discover HelloFresh’s Beef Flautas Supreme on the menu.
These rolled-up tacos are filled with zesty beef and Mexican cheese, and then baked to a crispy perfection for that signature flauta crunch. But what really takes this dish to the next level are the toppings. The fresh and zesty pico de gallo adds a pop of flavor, while the tangy lime crema provides a creamy balance to the dish.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Curried Chickpea Fritters with Spinach Rice Pilaf, Pickled Raisins & Creamy Garlic Sauce
I never thought I would enjoy fried chickpeas, let alone ever even try them, but HelloFresh’s Curried Chickpea Fritters completely changed my mind. These fritters are inspired by traditional Indian flavors, with chickpeas mashed and mixed with a light tempura batter infused with curry spices and aromatics. They’re shallow-fried pancake-style until perfectly golden and crispy.
But the real star of the show is the accompaniments. The fluffy rice pilaf with spinach is the perfect complement to the crispy fritters. And let’s talk about the pickled raisins for a moment. Yes, you read that right! These little pops of tangy sweetness add a burst of flavor to each bite. This meal is unique, surprising, and a bit tedious to make but it’s oh so tasty.
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Hard
Bruschetta Chicken with a Crispy Mozzarella Crust, Bacon Mashed Potatoes, and Asparagus
I don’t know about you, but I can never resist a good bruschetta. So when I saw that HelloFresh had a Bruschetta Chicken recipe, I had to give it a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Instead of the usual bread base, the chicken breasts are coated in a crispy mixture of panko and mozzarella, adding a delicious crunch to each bite. And the flavors are spot-on, with juicy tomatoes, tangy lemon juice, and fresh basil all coming together to create a mouthwatering topping.
But that’s not all. The meal also comes with bacon mashed potatoes that are so creamy and comforting, and roasted asparagus that’s brightened up with lemon zest. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the Italian countryside. Who needs a plane ticket when you can have this meal in the comfort of your own home?
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Hard
Pasta Parmesan with Bell Pepper, Tuscan Herbs & Marinara Sauce
I’m always in the mood for a hearty pasta dish, and HelloFresh’s Pasta Parmesan with Bell Pepper, Tuscan Herbs & Marinara Sauce hits the spot every time. The penne is coated in a rich marinara sauce with the perfect balance of Tuscan herbs and spices, and topped off with a cheesy breadcrumb crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. The addition of bell pepper and a drizzle of basil oil takes this dish to the next level, making it a feast for the senses with every bite.
It’s a meal that’s easy to make but tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Final Thoughts
While I’ve listed a few dozen of my favorite HelloFresh meals above, they’re really just the tip of the iceberg. Every week I try to add something new to my box in hopes that I’ll find another favorite to add to my list.
If you already subscribe to HelloFresh, I highly recommend getting a 3-hole punch and creating a binder of your favorite recipes. I do this so I can go back to our favorites without having to search for them online and use the recipe on my phone. It makes things a lot easier.
What are your favorite HelloFresh meals? I’d love to hear! Let me know in the comments.
