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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 love this recipe!! I sub potato gnocchi for the pasta and it is delicious
Hi Lori,
Yum!! Great idea to use the potato gnocchi in place of the pasta!! Thanks for making the recipe! xTieghan
This has quickly become a staple in our house. The picky eaters love it. It’s easy, fast and a great option for after work before various practices meal. Love it this yummy comfort meal.
Hey Brea,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe is always a hit, thanks so much for making it so often! xT🍂
Made it once before – loved it! Meal prepping for arrival of new baby. Would this freeze OK?
Hey Heather,
Amazing!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out! Sure, you could freeze this! xT🍂
Made this tonight and enjoyed it. I subbed in ground turkey, red onion and carrot because that’s what I had. I used 1lb of fusilli noodles and the liquid in the recipe didn’t look like enough so I added additional water until the noodles were just covered. My noodles absorbed all the liquid so there wasn’t as much of a creamy sauce as Teagan’s pictures but still cheesy and delicious. Next time I’ll use a daintier pasta
Hey Andrea,
Happy Friday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe turned out tasty for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try!
I made this for dinner last night for me and my boyfriend. It was so easy and delicious. He gave it an 8.5 and said it was in the top 5 meals I’ve ever made! Wish I could take credit but all kudos to Tieghan!! 🙂
Hey Stephanie,
Happy Friday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe turned out tasty for you, thanks a bunch for giving it a try!
LOVE!
I used smoked paprika and I added a heaping tablespoon of ground mustard as well. In lieu of zucchini, I cooked mushrooms with the hamburger. Until I added the cheese I wasn’t sure this was coming together 😂, and then BAM! Magic. I’ll definitely make again.
Hey Melissa,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was tasty for you, thanks for making it! xxT
Can this be adapted for the instant pot?
Hey Erin,
I’m sure that would work for you, but I’ve not tested this so I don’t have the cooking instructions. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try! xx
This is perfect for kids! My kid loves it and I make it often. I use elbow pasta and it goes well. I put small amounts of onion and zucchini.
Hey Min,
Perfect! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was a hit! xx
What other veggie would be good to substitute. I usually always have zuchinni but for some reason i don’t today. What about chopped spinach?
Great recipe
I have tried spinach… it ruined the flavor! DO NOT useSpinach.
I also grated Broccoli … changed the color a bit
Zucchini is best
Thanks for sharing Nicole!!
This is my 2nd Half Baked Harvest recipe and it did not disappoint.
I halved this recipe and it still made so much! It was simple to make and I was glad it didn’t require many ingredients. Plus I had most ingredients on hand.
I also made this for my boyfriend with a Keto twist. I used spaghetti squash instead of pasta. I also used sugar free ketchup and half and half. The dish came out pretty watery but he didn’t not complain and ate it all. I think if I made this again I would leave the broth out. Since the broth seems primarily used to cook the pasta.
This dish worked well as leftovers too.
Hi Taylor,
Happy Wednesday! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xT
Hi Lindsay,
Shredded carrots would work well, the spinach would also work for you or just skip the veggie part:) I hope you love the recipe! xT
So you don’t cook the pasta before adding it to the meat?
Hi Becca,
Correct, the pasta will cook in the dish, you can follow the instructions as written:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
A home run for a quick school night meal.
Everyone ate it without complaint… even my fellow that claims to despise zucchini.
Well done… keep these coming!
Hi Jennifer,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that your family enjoyed this recipe, thanks for trying it out! xTieghan
This was super easy to make. I didn’t include any vegetables, but added some creole seasoning and fresh basil (instead of the parsley). Great flavor.
Hi Tina,
Happy Friday🍁 I appreciate you making this recipe and love to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
This is so yummy and truly such an easy dinner recipe! I swapped the zucchini for broccoli, used gluten free pasta, and added extra ketchup. Turned out so delicious and comforting.
Hi Ashleigh,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it and sharing your review! xT
We love this recipe! The original recipe is GREAT! We’ve made a handful of times (mixing it up a little each time) and it’s always delicious. Typically we add an extra zucchini and sometimes switch to a white cheddar or add extra Gouda in. Different ground meats have been great too. Literally can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Hey Ashley,
Amazing!! I love to hear that you’re family has been enjoying this recipe, thanks so much for making it so often:) xT
Absolutely delicious and so quick to make!
Hi Cait,
Happy Wednesday! I love to hear that this recipe was tasty for you, thanks so much for making it!