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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!
Like all of your recipes this one was DELISH! So easy too! Thoroughly enjoyed it 🙂 Thanks Tieghan!
Hey Jessi,
I really appreciate you giving this dish a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Hope you’re having a great Wednesday! xT
This came together perfectly. I made a batch to deliver to a grieving family, but had a bowl to taste and will definitely be making it again. One question: How would you recommend re-heating it, when I bring it in a reheatable pan. Oven or stove? Thank You for your amazing recipes!
Hey Terry,
I really appreciate you giving this dish a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! I would cover with foil and pop in the oven on low. Hope you’re having a great Wednesday! xT
The coziest comfort meal! Love that it has veggies too!
Hey Melanie,
Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was a winner! xTieghan
YUM!! This recipe was a hit! We will definitely be making this again. I used ground turkey and chicken stock and it was delicious. I also added minced garlic instead of garlic powder. Thank you!!
Hey Nitsa,
Happy Friday! Thanks a ton for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was a hit! ?Tieghan
I typically sub the cheese for cream cheese and it’s amazing. Agreed with some others end up having to add more liquid.
Thanks for trying the recipe Carmen!!
I made this on a whim one night and OMG, game changer. Delicious and easy. Not only did this dupe the OG Hamburger Helper, it’s 100000000% better than the original. My husband loved it too. It made more than enough for leftovers and lunch the next day!
Hey Katrina,
I really appreciate you giving this dish a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Hope you’re having a great Wednesday! xT
This has become a go to recipe for my partner and I. I make it probably once a month. And it’s super flexible. We use oat milk, whatever cheese we have on hand, lots of different vegetables, different kinds of meat, even different stocks! We love it 🙂
Hey Kristen,
Fantastic! Thanks for your comment and trying the recipe:) I am so glad it was enjoyed! xxT
Excellent! Grade A comfort food.
Hi Dylan,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear this recipe was a hit, thanks for trying it out and sharing your review:)
Do you think leftovers can be frozen?
Hey Stephanie,
Sure, I don’t see why not!! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
So bummed, I do not have those exact noodles but mine turned out super watery I even added a little cream cheese to try to help thicken it 🙁
Hi Michelle,
So sorry to hear this. What kind of noodles did you use? Was there anything you adjusted? xx
Hi Tieghan,
I couldn’t tell one food blog from another before this recipe popped up in a google search five months ago. I have been exclusively relying on you ever since, and had a good laugh after finding the Bearden’s burger and shake recipes. Thank you for sharing your recipes, and for focusing on quick, easy, healthy meals with easily substituted ingredients.
My husband loved this “hamburger helper” so much that he ate ALL of the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Hey Chelsea,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for your review:) Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a try! Thank you so much for your kind message and trying so many recipes:) xx
I have made this a couple of times now and the flavors are fantastic! My only problem has been not getting a “creamy” like sauce. I’m envisioning a thicker consistency. Plan to try using whole milk next time to see if that makes a difference.
Hey Tiara,
Happy Wednesday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xx
This was delicious and will definitely be a repeat recipe in our kitchen. I made a couple changes based on what I had on hand (veg stock, used more zucchini, added chopped mushrooms to the beef and onion). Still came out great! My not-yet-adventurous toddler asked for seconds!
Hi Sara,
Happy Sunday!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!? xTieghan
This is one meal I can guarantee both of my kids will eat. I’ve made it about a dozen times. It’s simple, fast, and always pleases. Thanks!
Hey Alan,
Perfect!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit and appreciate you giving it a try! xxTieghan
Do you think bone broth will sub for berf broth well?
Hi Vince,
Yes, I think that would work well for you! I hope you love the recipe! xx
I made this with ground turkey, and also replaced the zucchini with frozen peas and carrots during the last couple minutes of the pasta cooking. It was PERFECT! So yummy and really easy.
Next time I’m doubling it and freezing some for postpartum meals
Hey Grace,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for your comment and making this recipe. So glad it hear it was enjoyed! xTieghan
I wonder if I could substitute cauliflower with the zucchini??
Hey there,
Totally, that would be a great idea! I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Making this for our neighbors whose 6 year old is in the hospital battling cancer. Thought it was a great, simple dinner with a salad and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. One to have tonight, one to freeze for later. Thank you for this simple recipe ☺️
5 stars for sure ?
Thanks again:)
Hi Patricia,
Happy Friday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for giving it a try!! So very sorry to hear about your neighbor, I cannot even imagine what they must be going through, sending positive thoughts their way!! xTieghan
Adding to the rotation, TY! 7yo, “my mouth is drippy!”
Hey Krista,
Happy Friday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for giving it a try!! xTieghan