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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!
Absolutely delicious and so easy! I love that it’s one pot and the ingredients are things I already have in my pantry. My husband and I loved this recipe and will definitely be making it more often as the weather gets colder!
Hi Megan,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
Made as directed, only adding more ketchup (1/4c) came out nice and creamy. I did turn off the heat when I added the cheese at the end. Came together quickly for a weeknight meal, next time I will add more spices as I thought it could use a little more flavor. Overall a winner!
Hey Sarah,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for making this dish, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy Friday! xxT
AMAZING! Made just as written, but did feel it needed a bit more pop , so I added some dashes of Worcestershire Sauce and a splash of balsamic vinegar while the pasta was cooking. Can’t wait to make it again !
Hey Torrey,
Happy Friday!! Thanks a ton for making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad it was a winner:)
Turned out tasty but mines really liquidy.. not creamy? Flavor is great tho!
Hi Kristiana,
Wonderful!! I appreciate you taking the time to make this recipe, I am so glad it was a hit! Was there anything you adjusted in the recipe? Happy Wednesday:)
I cut the pasta and hamburg in half but left everything else as written. Many people wrote that there was not enough liquid. There was just enough when I did it this way. Will be making it again!
Hey Penny,
Thanks so much for making this dish and sharing your review, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend:) xx
Turned out great! Wish I would have only added about 12 oz of pasta instead of 16. Added a little more ketchup and a tablespoon of Frank’s red hot sauce. Thanks Tieghan!!
Hi Kristina,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback! I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Friday! xx
This was good and a nice addition to our rotation of dinner recipes. I did use only half a pound of pasta. A full pound would have been way too much. I like the addition of the zucchini. Great way to add a veggie. Think my grandkids would like this too.
Hi Sharon,
Happy Friday!? Thanks a bunch for testing this recipe out, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xx
I made this exactly as written and it was a hit with my family!
I have loved everything I have made of yours. Thanks for all the great recipes!
Hi Julie,
Amazing!! Thanks a lot for trying this dish and sharing your feedback, I love to hear that it was tasty for you! xT
So delicious and moist! I’m trying to get my kids off of refined sugars and being more intentional about giving them nutrients. I did half a cup of honey since I’m feeding my children. These were such a hit, I’m so grateful!
Hi Katie,
Fantastic! I truly appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was tasty for you! xT
This is delicious and could not be easier. I made it with ground chicken and used chicken broth. Added more than 1 teaspoon of each of the seasonings and about 3-4 T of ketchup bc it IS the secret sauce to this yummy recipe! I also found pre-shredded fondue cheese! BONUS!!!! Loved this – will make again….and again…and again
Hi Colleen,
Perfect! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your review, I love to hear that it was a hit! xxT
Made it exact and tasted incredible!
Question. If I had yellow squash and ground Turkey on hand would those work well as substitutes?
Hi Rachel,
Happy Labor Day! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback! So glad it was enjoyed:) Sure, I think both of those would be just fine for you to use! xx
Can this be made without zucchini?
Hi Liz,
Yes, totally fine to skip the zucchini. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Absolutely loved! So many of your recipes have made its way into the ongoing rotation in our house and this is definitely one of them!
Hi Jenna,
Happy Sunday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it! xTieghan
I made this for dinner last night and it was fantastic. I used plain almond milk since that was what I had and Banza chickpea cavatappi for added fiber and protein. I thought for sure I’d need to add a bit of sour cream or something to make up for the lack of the creaminess from the almond milk, but the recipe was absolutely perfect as written and didn’t need a thing. I will definitely be adding this recipe to my regular dinner rotation!
Hi Lori,
Awesome!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks for making it! Hope you’re off to a great Saturday! xT
I am so glad I tried this tonight. The recipe was super easy to follow (easy on the clean-up, too!) and quite tasty! Love that you can season it with as much or as little salt and pepper as you’d like.
Hi Rebecca,
Happy Friday!! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend:)
My 15 year old & I walked by “hamburger helper” at the store, and she said, “I love that stuff!” So I thought, “hey, I know who has an amazing recipe for that!” We made it tonight, and the family loved it. It was outstanding! I love that it only required one pot! Thank you- this will definitely go in my coveted recipe box. ?
Hi Katia,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was tasty, thanks so much for making it and sharing your review:) xTieghan
We love this recipe!! Huge hit. What are the reheating instructions you would give if making ahead of time and giving it to a family casserole style?
Hey Lauren,
So glad you have been enjoying this recipe!! They could add a little milk and reheat on low on the stove top OR sprinkle with cheese and bake in the oven. Have a great Thursday! xx