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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!
Really yummy! I needed to add more liquid (probably about an additional cup) and I also added a bit more of the spices. I also used chickpea pasta and added a dollop of sour cream at the end for extra creaminess. My two picky kids devoured it!
Hi Hayley,
Happy Monday!! So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for making it! xx
This was pretty good! I had to add more liquid to get the pasta cooked, about another 1½ cups. I also added some worcestershire sauce, I love the addition of the zucchini. Great dish!
Hi Crissy,
Happy Monday!! ☀️⛅️ I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
I’ve made this a couple of times now, I love that it is one pot! And the addition of the zucchini makes it a great way to get some veggies per serving for kids.
The first time I made it I realized I needed to increase the spices, instead of 1 tsp I used 2 tsp for all spices the second time around. And I used tomato paste instead of ketchup. Turned out exactly how I wanted it to, and my kids ate it up!
Hey Lindsay,
Happy Friday!!☀️🐰 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, love to hear that it was delish! xT
As kids, we BEGGED my mom for Hamburger Helper lol!!! Occasionally she would give in, as it’s obviously not the healthiest and was expensive compared with the homemade meals she usually made. So, when I saw this recipe I was BEYOND EXCITED to recreate the nostalgia of this childhood fantasy meal 😂 This tasted like the original enough to hit the nostalgia button, but so so so much better!!! Love the sneaky zucchini addition as well (although I’ve made this without it in a pinch and it’s just fine). Thanks for this recipe!!!
Hey Anne,
Happy Friday!!☀️🐰 Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, love to hear that it was delish! xT
Made this for dinner and it was fantastic! I ended up using a block of double cream Gouda cheese that I shredded since that is what I had instead of the cheddar cheese and it was so good and creamy.
Hey Allison,
Wonderful!! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was a winner! xT
I didn’t grow up eating Hamburger Helper so I can’t compare it to the original, but this is a cozy, comforting meal. Made it for the second time last night with two additions: a tablespoon of tomato paste cooked alongside the spices plus a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spice. Love how the zucchini melts right in and ups the nutritional value. This recipe is going to be on regular rotation in my household. Bonus: the leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day 🙂
Hey Ashley,
Happy Wednesday! ⛅️🌈 I’m so glad to hear that this recipe worked well for you and I appreciate you giving it a try! xx
Yummy!! Question-I have all 3 of your cookbooks, if one of your online posts is in one of your cookbooks, is that noted anywhere? Thanks!
Thanks Nikki!! All of the recipes that are in the cookbooks are exclusive to the books, so you won’t find those online:) xx
This is so tasty! Any recommendations for dairy free but getting similar flavor and creaminess?
Hey Emilie,
Perfect!! Thanks so much for making this dish and sharing your comment, so glad it was a hit! Sorry, I’ve never tested this with dairy free cheese or milk! Have a great weekend:)
I followed the recipe to a T, but the dish still turned out rather dry- was almost as though during the process of cooking the pasta, most of the sauce evaporated! I even added more beef broth to try and make it ‘saucier’. Any suggestions? Was a shame because the dish tasted great, it was just a bit dry. Definitely want to give it a go again with some adjustments.
Hi Erin,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, sorry to hear it was dry. What kind of pasta did you use? Let me know how I can help! xx
Hey Tieghan,
Ordinarily I would use small shells, but in a pinch, I used elbow macaroni – could that have been the culprit?
I think the elbow macaroni would be just fine to use!
Hey Tieghan, we have been making this recipe on rotation for the past year! It does make quite a bit so I was wondering if you think freezing it would work? If so, should I add more liquid beforehand? Thanks!
Hi Laura,
So glad to hear your family has been enjoying this recipe, thanks for making it so often!! I think freezing it could be okay:) Let me know if you give that a try! xx
I have made so many HBH recipes & love the (original) cookbook. In my experience HBH recipes are known for what I call “layered flavors”. This recipe wasn’t as great as usual, needs more kick. Next time I would increase the spice, add fresh garlic to the chopped onion & use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
Hi Margot,
Happy Monday!!⛅️ Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it turned out well for you:)
My husband and I couldnt believe how good this was. Cannot wait to have the leftovers tonight.
Hi Kelly,
Happy Wednesday! I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it was a winner!
This is always a hit at our house! I make it per the recipe and it’s delicious!
Hi Tiffany,
Wonderful!!🍀 I love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for trying it out:)
Creighton was right, how could anyone not love this??!! Another winner Tieghan! So yum 😋
Lol thanks so much Farah!!
This turned out really great. Wayyy better than the box stuff. Love the fact that I know the ingredients going into it too. Thanks for the recipe!
Hi Nicolette,
Happy Monday!!🌴 I appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your comment, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! xT
This was quick and easy to make! Could’ve used a bit more flavor but over all a good family recipe. Will make again!
Question though, Does anyone know what a serving size would be?
Hi Meagan,
Happy Sunday! 😃 Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, so glad to hear it turned out well for you! I would say about 1 1/2 cups for the serving size. xx
Made this last night.
used chicken stock instead of beef because thats what i had and mustard instead of ketchup because i have an unfortunate tomato allergy,
10/10 would recommend and make again. its a fantastic dish.
Hey Monika,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it!! Have a great weekend! xx