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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.
I’ve never commented on a recipe before, but my husband and 3-year-old loved this. I’ve never made real Hamburger Helper, but I don’t imagine it could be much easier than this! Thanks!
Hi Dianna,
Awesome! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thank you for making it! xxT
YALL THIS IS AMAZING!!!! I made this recipe for my husband last night and we loved it! I loved the hidden zucchini. This would be a great recipe for families with children. I did use 4 cups of beef broth instead of 2 just so I could use up the entire bottle of it. The only change I will make last time is using a different type of noodle! That was my bad for buying the wrong kind! But overall I loved this and can not wait to make it again!!!
Hey McKenzie,
Awesome! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thank you for making it! xxT
Everyone in my family loved this one!
Hi Jamie,
Fantastic!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Have the best week! xTieghan
This was a great meal! Had to wing it with some substitutions but my family loved it. Mine wasn’t nearly as saucy as yours but I think the larger noodles I used could have been the culprit for that. Thanks for another delicious recipe!
Hi Kelsey,
Fantastic!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Have the best week! xTieghan
I didn’t realize until it was too late that I didn’t have chili powder or paprika. I subbed a little curry powder for the smoky cumin element and a little cayenne for kick, plus upper the garlic a bit. Was a hit (if a bit strange). Can’t wait to try again now that I’ve replenished my spices!
Hi Laurie,
Fantastic!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Have the best week! xTieghan
Could I use whole wheat noodles instead? If so, how much extra liquid should I add?
Hi Ashley,
I’ve never tried this recipe with whole wheat noodles, but I would probably follow as is. Please let know if you give the recipe a try! xTieghan
Made this for dinner tonight and everyone loved it. Easy to make and delicious.
Hey Melissa,
Fantastic!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Have the best week! xTieghan
Unfortunately not my favorite. I’ve loved every other recipe I tried
Hi Elizabeth,
So sorry this recipe was not enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! xTieghan
Still making this at least twice a month. It is a winner and a keeper! Having to be gluten free, I make a gluten free version of this. I find pre-cooking the gluten free pasta
half way, or more, and then adding it into the recipe, gives perfect texture. Thanks for this fantastic recipe!
Hey Judy,
Fantastic!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try. Have the best week! xTieghan
My mom made this for us last night but she vegan-ized it with gardein grounds, oat milk, veggie broth and vio-life colby jack shreds, WOW WOW WOW, so delicious.
Hi Kate,
Happy Friday! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
VEGANIZING IT TONIGHT!
I hope you love the recipe!!
This is a 5 star in our house! Made it tonight, my husband raved about it and ate 2 bowls. He asked that this be added into our winter dinner rotation. Very easy, VERY fast, one-pot clean up!
Hey Malinda,
Happy Friday! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This recipe was a big hit! My 3 year old LOVED it, so that’s all that needs to be said. I took advice from another review; I used shells and I added an additional cup of beef broth and another half cup of milk and it was perfect. Will most definitely be adding this recipe to my usuals!
Hey Paige,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe. I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Thursday❄️ xxT
Mine turned out absolutely wonderful. Just the right amount of sauce after I added a little more almond milk. I used Rigatoni big noodles because I couldn’t find the pasta shown. I can’t wait to eat it warmed up the next day. It wasn’t as spicy as I thought it might be. I could taste the pepper and might go easy on that next time. Maybe add a bit more smoked paprika. I cooked it with the lid on since the pasta was larger. I also finished mine off with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Hey Melany,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe. I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Thursday❄️ xxT
This was fantastic! I used a meat alternative (trying to reduce my meat consumption) and you really can’t tell. LOL I have to disguise substitution from my husband, he had no idea.
Hey Laura,
Awesome! Thanks a lot for making this recipe. I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Thursday❄️ xxT
The pasta confused me. I wish I knew what short meant. I ended getting shells and I had to add extra milk and broth and now water because it isn’t cooking through all the way. I also wish I would have thrown in a little more seasonings as to I like my beef with lots of flavor. Otherwise overall its definitely better then the box of hamburger helper.
Thanks for giving the recipe a try! Shells are short cut pasta:)