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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!
What a way to kick off the fall weather in California…a little comfort food.
I didn’t have beef broth so I used chicken broth. I had unexpected cheddar from Trader Joe’s and I think that added a little more flavor. It was a hit at my house. Thanks again for another amazing recipe!
Hi Leslie,
Perfect!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out! xT
Easy as it gets and husband approved! Super creamy even with using mostly unsweetened almond milk. I added ancho chili powder as well for a little spice. Will definitely be on the winter rotation!
Hi Alyssa,
Happy Monday!! 👻 I am so glad this recipe was tasty for you, thanks a lot for trying it out! xT
LOVE this recipe! We have had it at least once a week since I came across it. I add a bit extra broth (the first time I made it I used beef broth, but since then I’ve just used chicken stock and broth since I have it on hand), and milk (I use almond milk), and it helps the pasta cook better in my large pot (I also had the issue of too much liquid evaporating before the pasta was cooked the first time I made it). When I season with salt and pepper I also add garlic salt, and I use sharp cheddar because, well, sharp has such a great flavor. The other thing I love is that it reheats really well! We have for dinner, and then lunch the next day.
Hey Sarah,
Happy Sunday!!🎃 I am delighted to hear that this recipe is always enjoyed, thanks for making it so often and sharing your feedback! xx
this was okay. the instructions say add pasta and cook for 5-8 minutes until noodles al dente, i had to cook for a good 20 minutes for the noodles to actually be cooked/done. by that point i had to add more broth and milk because the dish was so dry. unfortunately the dish ended up being very bland and flavorless. i thought maybe it was an altitude thing as i live in colorad0, but since tieghan lives in colorado too, cant be the case.
Hi Samantha,
Thanks for trying the recipe, so sorry to hear your pasta took too long to cook. What kind of noodles did you use? Is it possible your heat was up too high? Did you stir continuously? Let me know how I can help! xT
This is so delicious! It’s such a comfort meal. My 21 yr old daughter, who doesn’t cook and hates it, loved it and wanted the recipe. It’s not bland at all…full of flavor.
Hey Dana,
Happy Sunday!!🎃 I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and sharing your feedback! xx
This was just okay and I was a little disappointed after reading all the wonderful reviews. It was easy to make but I thought it was lacking a little flavor and on the bland side. I’m not sure if I’ll make it again.
Hi Deb,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, so sorry to hear it was not enjoyed! Please let me know if there is anything that I can help with! xx
If we use a little bit of a thicker pasta do we need to pre cook at all? Or just cook 10 min with everything at medium boil? Just dont want to overcook meat!
Hi there,
It depends what kind of pasta you are using…what do you mean by thicker? If you can stick with a short cut noodle that will work best for you! I hope you love the recipe!! xx
Easy meal, love the added zucchini. Thumbs up from my kids!
Hi Nicole,
Wonderful!🤩 I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for making it! xT
Aside from the simplicity of this recipe, my favorite part is is the sneaky veggies!
Hey Kristen,
Awesome!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, I am thrilled to hear that it was enjoyed! xx
Omg.. made this fir our first dinner in our new house as we have only one pot till our container arrives. Soooo delicious.. everyone ate it and loved it and by everyone I mean 4 teens a Hubbie and me. Will for sure make again. Thanks so much
Hey Julie,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for trying it out! Have a great weekend! xx
This is really really good – my husband requested it again next week. I used ground turkey instead and still tasted delicious. Quick, easy, and just one dish – perfect for weeknight dinner and had lots of leftovers for lunch the next day.
Hey there,
Fantastic!! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for trying it out! Have a great weekend! xx
This dish comes together quickly and is delicious! my kids love it even though they never had the boxed hamburger helper ! Love your recipes!
Hey Kim,
Happy Friday!👻 Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your review! I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xT
What is the best way to go about making this so it can be frozen? Do you follow the instructions as is and then freeze? Thanks!
Hey Heather,
I’ve not tried freezing this recipe, I’m not sure it would give the best results. If you did it, I would complete the recipe and then freeze. Let me know if you have any other questions! xx
Would using coconut milk be okay??
Hi Erin,
Totally, coconut milk will work well for you! I hope this recipe turns out amazing, please let me know if I can help in any other way! xT
Made this as is. It was a huge hit. Made this second time with shredded carrots and cream cheese … Just eye balled the amount until desired creaminess…. Works..so good!
Hey Leah,
Happy Wednesday!👻 I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed and appreciate you giving it a try and sharing your feedback! xx