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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.
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.
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
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 675 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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!
I really liked this recipe! I love that it’s a one pot meal and is super quick to prepare. I agree with some of the comments – double the spices, add more milk and/or broth, Worcestershire sauce, some Dijon mustard and add some tomato paste. I put a little dried thyme in as well! I also added some sour cream but that made it too heavy. I think next time I might swap the beef for mushrooms and try egg noodles so it’s all little less heavy. Overall though, we really enjoyed it!
Hi Taylor,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx
Delicious! And still fairly easy with not much cleanup!
Hey Kim,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx
I made this last night. My husband is from the UK and had never had hamburger helper. It was really good. I read some of the comments, so I did add some Grey Poupon for an extra Oommph. We really liked it and it was the comfort food we were looking for. Afterward my hubby suggested adding just a dash of Worcestershire sauce, I think he is right. Also, had NO idea that the zucchini would just add that creaminess. That’s fantastic! Thanks for all the great recipes, I have made a lot of them and enjoy them very much!
Hey Sharon,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx
Was blander than I was expecting and definitely needed more of a tomato component than the small amount of ketchup. Was excited given all the positive reviews but definitely not what I had hoped.
Hey Nicole,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, sorry to hear it was not enjoyed. xTieghan
New Fam Favorite! Hosted my parents and brother for dinner tonight, I’d thought I’d give this recipe a try since my mom used to make the boxed Hamburger Helper for us as kids, and was the ultimate comfortable food. 5 stars all around and my brother couldn’t believe there was zuccini, couldn’t even taste it.
Thanks Tieghan, will definitely be keeping this in the receipe box.
Hey Courtney,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for giving it a go! Have the best weekend! xxT
It needs a little love because it’s bland as is – I used 1 tsp minced garlic with the onion, 2 tsp chili powder (not 1), 1 can tomato paste (1-2 TBSP not enough), don’t use smoked paprika – too smoky, 2 c each milk & beef broth, adjust S&P after liquids added. Pro tip: bring liquids to boil before adding pasta.
Hi Shelley,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe and sharing your feedback! xTieghan
Made this tonight with Banza pasta and it was great! Since the Banza box is only 8 ounces, I cut the recipe in half but didn’t change the spice ratio. Mine came out so creamy and delicious like the photo (I used 1% milk). At one point while the pasta was cooking, it looked like I needed more liquid so I just added some more stock and milk as needed. Also, the zucchini is very sneaky in here and I think it adds to the creaminess- you’d never know it was there (for those with picky veggie eaters) I served with a side of kale sautéed with garlic and olive oil. Thanks for the recipe- I would definitely make this again!
Hey Lola,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Could sour cream be added for a little bit of tanginess?
Hey Connie,
Totally, that would work well for you! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan
Added more chili, garlic and cayenne cause adults eating, not kids. Also added more broth and milk because the pasta needed it. Mushrooms and peppers would be good too. But a fast, delicious meal, I’ll keep this one.
Hey Michele,
I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for giving it a try!! xxT
The original recipe needed just a little something. I read everyone’s comments and cooked onions, gr pepp, shredded carrot, mushrooms and garlic with the hamburg. I cooked my pasta for 4 minutes and reserved some of the pasta water to merry it with the sauce. I used tomato paste and worcestershire sauce also. Used exact amounts of liquid as directed. Came out great! I took a picture, I wish I could post it.
Hey Paula,
I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for giving it a try!! xxT
This recipe is perfect. My 5 year old asks for it and loves to help make it by shredding the zucchini! We add frozen peas for color and more veggie goodness. Thanks for the recipe!
Hey Amanda,
I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for giving it a try!! xxT
It is a great recipe. This is the second time I have done it. Only minor adjustments were needed: a bit more milk and more beef broth. Also I have doubled up the amount of zucchini. I could easily eat it every week, it is delicious and super easy to prepare. Thank you Tieghan.
Hey Izabel,
Happy Wednesday!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
I had a small bit left of my jalapeno cheddar jack cheese block, so replaced about 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese. It was a very tasty addition!
Hey Samantha,
Happy Wednesday!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
This was delicious, I did make some changes. Added a can of tomato paste, did about 1 tbsp of each seasoning (as per comments) and did 2 cups of dry elbow noodles. This will be a staple in my home!
Hey Heather,
Happy Wednesday!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
We really liked this. Including my 3 ultra picky toddlers. My only critique was that I needed about twice the liquid. I knew at first glance that the outlined amount wasn’t going to cut it. So I just kept adding throughout the cooking process until I got the desired sauce amount. Once I’d served the kids I added in some cajun seasoning and worcestershire just to kick it up a notch for my husband and myself. Overall a huge hit in our home.
Hey Shannon,
Awesome!! Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I love to hear that it was a hit!! xxT