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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.
This is a great hearty recipe for a cold night. We really enjoyed it.
Hey Adrianna,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend:)
Very tasty! I doubled it so I don’t have to make more food tomorrow haha. I added Worcestershire sauce at the end because I thought it needed a little bit more flavor. I served it with a salad. Kids inhaled in. No one complained about zucchini addition, which is a big plus!
Hey Diana,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! Have a great weekend:)
Can I just use regular pasta?
Hi Jill,
So sorry, I am not sure what you mean by “regular pasta”. Please let me know how I can help! xx
Really enjoyed this and loved how easy it was. Feels quite indulgent but still felt better know everything that went into it. I let mine boil too much so I added some more beef broth and it was just as good.
Will store this one for a comfort meal!
Thanks Tieghan! X
Hey Marissa,
Happy Wednesday!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and sharing your comment, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xx
Healthy, easy, and delicious…and my very picky 2 year old and 4 year old both ate a huge bowl! They had no idea I snuck in the zucchini 🙂 definitely adding this to my dinner roster!
Hey Candace,
Happy Monday!! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your review, so glad to hear it turned out well! xT
This is hands down my favorite homemade mac and cheese recipe of all time. It’s delicious and I feel a little better about it because it’s a healthier version of my favorite comfort food. An absolute must try!!!!
Hey Carol,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was tasty and thanks a lot for trying it out! xT
I just did a low carb version this. I used unsweetened coconut cream instead of milk and added an extra cup of beef broth. I also used some low carb pasta noodles as well. Came out a bit soupy because I only used 1 and a half cups of cheddar. Should’ve used 2 full cups and it would’ve been thicker. Either way, the dish turned out wonderful. My 5 year old loves this dish.
Hey Zachariah,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was tasty and thanks a lot for trying it out! xT
This recipe was delicious!! Really did taste like an upgraded, premium version of the Hamburger Helper of my childhood. The zucchini is barely detectable. This was so tasty, and my husband requested it again for meal planning this week!
Hey Michaela,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was tasty and thanks a lot for trying it out! xT
This recipe is always a family favorite! I double the seasoning and usually end up having to add a cup more broth.
Hey Lauren,
Happy Sunday!😃 Thanks so much for making this recipe and your comment, I am so glad it turned out well for you! xx
Just made this tonight! So delish. I added broccoli instead of zucchini to make it healthy 😉 such a good comfort meal
Hey Caitlyn,
Perfect!! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I love to hear that it turned out well for you! xT
I rarely comment but this is easy and delicious 1-pot dinner . I was not one who grew up on hamburger helper but enjoy this I love that the pasta cooks in broth basically (and you dont through out the liquid) Ive made it with pasta I had on had — einkorn farfale and fusilli and also with the vegetables on hand one time chard and then cauliflower. I think there are many other vegetables that would be delicious in this dish thank you!
Hey Claudia,
Happy Wednesday!! ❄️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
Absolutely delicious! Didn’t have any zucchini so I used green bell pepper instead. My whole family enjoyed it.
Hey Julie,
Happy Wednesday!! ❄️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
This is a delicious, winter comfort food!! My picky 12-year-old didn’t even notice the zucchini!!! 👍 and super easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!!
Hey Selena,
Perfect!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and thanks so much for trying it out! xx
Excellent recipe and a regular one now at our home. I actually use more hamburger for extra protein for my meat loving teenager.
Hey Kelly,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xT
I used shredded carrots instead of zucchini since that’s what I have on hand usually. Mine didn’t turn out as creamy as in your photo, but still pretty delicious.
Hey Diana,
Happy Thursday! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe and thanks so much for making it! xT