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Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper. Swapping the boxed stuff out and making everyone’s childhood dinner completely homemade, and healthier too. Plus so much tastier! Think of this hamburger helper as the tastier, creamier version of what you’d eat as a kid. It’s made with ground beef, seasonings, pasta, and a little shredded zucchini too (for added veggies). Comfort food at its best, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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I didn’t grow up eating hamburger helper, neither did my brothers. But for whatever reason, this has been a recipe I wanted to try and recreate for a while now. Ever since my older brother mentioned the idea to me a year or so ago it’s been on my “to make” list.
Not going to lie, it’s obviously not my usual kind of recipe, as I tend to sway towards recipes with a bit more color. But something about recreating this in a healthier, tastier, way really excited me.
So while it may have taken me over a year to finally test this out and share, the day is here. And I’m excited because this really is that perfect early fall, September dinner.
The idea
So as I said, my brother had mentioned creating a recipe for homemade (not boxed) hamburger helper. He said that if I could make it like the boxed stuff, but with a creamier texture, and a little more depth of flavor, that it would be, “SO GOOD”.
I wasn’t excited at first, but then I started to think about the upgrades I could make. I wondered, “could I make it healthier, but still creamy? Could we add a little flavor, but still keep it classic? And could I make it all in one pot just like the box?”.
All of the challenges started to excite me, so I figured if I could get each one checked off, then I would have a great recipe!
This is a one pot dinner, so the details are simple
First of all, find yourself a nice big pot or braiser to cook this in. I love this one and think it’s the perfect size for this recipe.
Now, starting cooking! Simply add the beef and onion to your pot and brown it all over, add in some spices, and then the pasta. And next? The ingredient that adds a little health to the recipe…a bit of shredded zucchini.
I love adding shredded zucchini to pasta dishes like this. Not only does the zucchini incorporate a vegetable into the recipe, but it also adds moisture and creates an even creamier sauce.
Finish it up
Once the pasta and zucchini are both added, pour over the broth and milk. Add a squeeze of ketchup (sounds weird, but trust me), then cook everything together until that pasta is al dente.
It’s important to stir the pasta frequently to ensure that nothing is sticking. But other than that, everything is EASY.
The final step is to stir in a handful of cheddar cheese. Serve up the hamburger helper topped with fresh parsley (it needs a little color!) and enjoy!
As I always like to say – homemade is best!
Excited to have this recipe in my back pocket for cozy fall and winter dinners to come. And Creighton’s verdict? He loved every bite. He said, “how could someone not love this? It’s basically mac and cheese with meat…and it’s delicious”.
So there ya go! He doesn’t lie.
You can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta.
Looking for other easy family dinners? Here are a few ideas:
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
One Pan Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Pasta Bolognese Bake
One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake
Lastly, if you make this Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 zucchini, grated , (about 1 cup grated)
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk, (use what you drink)
- 1 1/2-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot set over medium hight heat, add the olive oil, onion and beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, cook another minute.2. Add the pasta and zucchini and toss to coat, then pour in the broth and milk. Add the ketchup and stir to combine. Season with salt. 3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium high heat. Simmer 5-8 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often. 4. Stir in the cheese and cook another few minutes until very creamy. 5. Divide the pasta among bowls and top with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
So good! I used vegan cheddar and oat milk – so rich and creamy. Thanks so much
Hi Kelly,
Wonderful! It’s so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
So good and the fam loved it!
Hey Marcia,
Wonderful! It’s so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
This was quick and easy and tasted amazing! And I love that I could “hide” my veggies for the kids in this recipe 🙂
Hey Jaime,
I love to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a lot for giving it a try! xTieghan
I didn’t grow up eating Hamburger Helper but wanted to try this version. I only used half an onion instead of whole. I liked it enough, but my boyfriend devoured it. No leftovers!
Hi Kassi,
I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for trying it out! Happy Thanksgiving! xTieghan
This was great! My husband, very picky almost 3-year-old, and 8 month old (tiny bites of course) all enjoyed it! LOVE the zucchini idea. Also very simple, which is a beautiful thing for me right now.
Hey Julie,
Awesome! It’s so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
Such a simple recipe and so delicious. Would highly recommend but I would add extra spice 🙂
Hey Claire,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Have a great week! xTieghan
I saved this one-pot wonder to make on a busy weeknight, and it was a lifesaver tonight. I followed the recipe exactly, and it was delicious and a hit with our picky kiddo as well. The hidden veggies are genius, and I love being able to control the sodium! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
Hey Jennifer,
Awesome! It’s so great to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
I followed the directions and comments about more spice from others. The dish was still blah – the milk and cheese hid all the flavor. It was quick to fix though. Maybe a good dish for little ones.
Hey Donna,
Sorry to hear the recipe was not enjoy, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
I have to say that my husband liked it but thought it was “spicy”. Maybe my taste buds were off.
My husband I loved this! It was the perfect fall meal for a chilly night. Thanks Tieghan!
Hey Leah,
Happy Friday!! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend. xTieghan
I do not like hamburger helper, but this was fantastic! I did as some others said and added some more milk and broth and a little more of the spices. My family devoured it!
Hey Lauren,
Happy Friday!! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend. xTieghan
Made this a second time last night and it was fantastic! Whole family loved it. This time, I grated the zucchini in advance and let it sit in the strainer with some salt, then squeezed out as much liquid as possible. That seemed to really help. I added broth several times as the pasta cooked.
Hey Sara,
Happy Friday!! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! Have a great weekend. xTieghan
This recipe is a keeper! I had the same issue with the pasta not cooking so I ended up doubling the liquid and spices (is this because I cooked with the top off?) Also, I used ground venison and it turned out delicious. Thanks for a great recipe.
Hey Lauren,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xTieghan
While this recipe was very easy and quick to make, I wasn’t in love with it and found it to be very bland. Perhaps I am just not a lover of hamburger helper, but this recipe was not a keeper for my family as no one really loved it. There are so many other great recipes on your site though and I keep coming back to try them.
Hey there,
So sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
My niece shared this recipe with me. A big hit with her family. Forty some years ago, we did eat hamburger helper in college! My palate and budget is much broader now. This is delicious and brings back great memories. I did add a little more chili powder, broth, milk and a large spoonful of sour cream (for a hamburger helper stroganoff effect). Great for a fall day! Love it! Thank you for sharing!!
Hi Jan,
Happy Sunday! Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
I am so happy I found this recipe! I don’t know if you watch Yellowstone, but on the season premier Beth makes Hamburger Helper. I’ve never had it so out of curiosity I googled it and your recipe was at the to of my search! I’m sure it will be delicious!
I hope you love the recipe Kerry! xTieghan
So good. So easy! 10/10 would recommend. I went a little heavier on the zucchini (and the cheese tbh) and it tasted heavenly!
Hey Eryanne,
Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best day! xTieghan
I make at least one of your recipes every week and coincidentally those are the meals my kids devour! This recipe is perfection and by far THE family favorite. Thanks for making me look like a celebrity chef in my house! 🙂
Hey Jess,
Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best day! xTieghan