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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 did not have “classic hamburger helper” growing up but for some reason this called to me when I opened the email. That and the fact that I had just bought a package of the exact pasta you used! Each little pasta was filled with ingredients…..this was so wonderful and is on my “make again” list! Thank you for all your work to make mine easier!
Hey Kelly,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it! xx
Would the recipe taste much different without adding the zucchini?
Hey Vanessa,
Totally fine to skip the zucchini:) I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx
It’s one of our favs! The flavors are scrumptious. How do your recommend reheating? I wanna reheat with a bit of beef broth or milk. Suggestions?
Hi Loni,
So glad to hear you enjoy this recipe! I would reheat on low with a touch of milk if needed:) Happy Monday! xx
So so good. I didn’t have any beef ready to go, so I substituted chicken/chicken broth and it turned out so good. You had me at one pot!
Hi Jodi,
Happy Monday!! I truly appreciate you trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it was enjoyed! xx
Do you think this would work with dairy-free milk or coconut milk?
Hi Eva,
Yes, that will work well for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
Really good. I used ground dark turkey and —365 egg noodles-as an fyi for anyone else you might need to add a little more milk or stock. I don’t know if it was the egg noodles or cast iron pan that caused that to happen. Thank you for this perfect fall day recipe.
Hey Soteria,
Awesome!! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for making it! Hope you’re off to a great weekend! xT
This recipe is our family favorite. It never disappoints and it’s requested frequently. It’s so simple. I have even made with impossible meat to make it vegetarian!
Hey Natalie,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a bunch for giving it a go!? xT
Sooooo good! I’ve already made this multiple times. Another winner, thanks Tieghan!
Hey Gianna,
Fantastic! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was tasty for you, thanks for making it and sharing your review:) xx
I have an extremely picky eater. The kid hates veggies. He’s like a great white shark smelling blood in the ocean- the kid can “smell/sense” a shred of veg in anything yet low and behold he LOVES this recipe!! Can’t detect the zucchini at all. Win! Regular rotation in our house. Thanks for your delicious recipes!
Hey Amanda,
Happy Wednesday! Lol love this! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am thrilled to hear that it was a winner! xTieghan
I made this with elbow noodles and using almond milk and it was DELICIOUS! Definitely adding this one into the dinner rotation. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Sarah,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was tasty for you and appreciate you giving it a try! xxT
Made this today! Absolutely YUMMO! Thank you so much for sharing! I Halved the recipe as it is just my 9 yr old grandson and myself eating! Came out awesome!
Hi Susan,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Could you use almond or soya milk instead?
Yes, either of those will work:)
This was great! Easy to come together and I love the add or zucchini. Ours was a little soupy hot off the stove and not very creamy. I’ll try again to make it as creamy but flavor was spot on!
Hey there,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a lot for making this dish and sharing your review, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Have a great week! xx
Amazing.
I don’t have a zucchini spiral thing, so I just chopped them very small.
Also, I didn’t use all of the bag of pasta – probably 3/4.
It was absolutely perfect. Also, kid approved!
Great job, Tieghan! <3
Hey Cheryl,
Happy Sunday!! I love to hear that this recipe was tasty, thanks a lot for making it! xxT
Added mini cheese tortellini instead of pastas as I had some in the pantry. Really good will make again!!
Hey Latasha,
Fantastic!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks for making it! xTieghan
My kids are VERY picky and they love this recipe! It is a weekly staple in our house.
Hi Brittany,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe is always enjoyed, thanks so much for making it so often! Have a great weekend! xTieghan