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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.
Would using shredded summer squash give the similar addition as zucchini? I have tons still from my garden but no more zucchinis!
Hi Kirsten,
Sure, that would be a great idea to use! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
Really yummy recipe, and it is toddler and husband approved! Mine did turn out a lot drier than the picture, but it was yummy regardless! Keep these one-pot recipes coming!
Hi Allie,
Wonderful! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks for trying it out! Have a great weekend:)
BEWARE: I varied with fresh tomatoes and fresh garlic and the milk curdled! Gonna eat it anyway lol. Thanks!
Hi Allie,
Sorry to hear this! Thanks for trying the recipe! xx
Loved this. Didn’t have zucchini on hand so I didn’t add. I also used 1 cup of whole milk with a 1/2 cup of heavy cream because I didn’t have any cheese on hand. I used tagliatelle as that was pasta I had on hand. The sauce thickened really well and even without the cheese it was still creamy and delish. I spiced it up with a bit of cayenne and some earthiness with italian seasoning and fennel seed. Was perfect! Excited to try the recipe properly with the cheese next time, but in a jiff with stuff on hand, it worked great!
Hey Kiera,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for sharing what worked well for you, I am so glad this recipe was enjoyed! xTieghan
Have made this a few times already, it’s a wonderful recipe! Thanks so much 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Stacy, thanks for making it!!
This is a great recipe! I’ve made it a few times now with different noodles. I have found though each time that I have to add quite a bit of water in order for the noodles to cook. The broth and milk alone aren’t near enough liquid to keep them simmering. Sometimes I’ve added too much water, and have had to thicken it back up with a bit of flour. Regardless, we still keep making it. Am I missing something or doing something wrong?
Hi Trent,
Thanks so much for making this recipe so often. Is it possible that your simmer is too high? That could be it:) Or I would try a different type of noodle. Let me know if that helps! xx
Added chipotle powder and extra cheese. It was amazing.
Hey Marcel,
Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback!! So glad to hear it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Is there any substitute for the ketchup?
Hi Carrie,
You could use tomato paste in place of the ketchup. I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Halved the recipe (cooking for 2) except the spices and ketchup after reading reviews that it did not have enough flavor. it was perfect! Thanks for easy and delicious recipe.
Hey there,
Happy Monday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I am so excited to hear that it was a hit! xx
This was delicious and will be adding it into our regular meal rotation. My 6 and 8 year olds liked it too. The only thing I changed was omitting the chili powder.
Hey Mary,
Amazing!! I am so excited to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Have a great weekend☀️
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your recipes, but am sad that there is nolonger a print recipe option… I much prefer using a printed copy, than staring at a screen when cooking or baking… please bring that back!
Hi Lyndsay,
We still have that option, it is right above the ingredient list for every recipe:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
I love this recipe! We add spinach for some extra veggies. I love how simple this is and feel good feeding it to my family on a busy week night.
Hi Rose,
Happy Friday!? Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was a winner! xx
I used ground chicle instead of beef and I left out the zucchini. It was delicious.
Hey Jessica,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for trying it out:)
This has become a recurrent meal at our house! Easy to make, and I love that it uses one skillet. I like to add a can of Rotel to add a little more flavor and color. Great dish 🙂
Hey Lauren,
Fantastic! I am so glad your family has been enjoying this recipe, thanks for making it so often:) Happy Thursday! xx
Love this! My 2 year old did too.
I used ground turkey.
Doubled the ketchup.
Added a tbs of Worcestershire.
10/10
Hey there,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for trying it out:) Thanks for sharing what worked well for you! xT
Thank you for sharing this recipe looks like a winner and I’m making it tonight! Random question- you add in the uncooked pasta, right? Let it cook in the broth and milk? Thank you!
Yes, that is correct:) I hope you love the recipe Erin!