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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.
Delicious & easy! I didn’t have any zucchini but will try next time. I used one cup shredded smoked Gouda and half cup cheddar. So yummy!
Hi Ginger,
Amazing!! So glad to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for making it! Happy 4th of July weekend! 🇺🇸🍓
This was a good and quick one pot meal! Mine got super thick though and i didn’t have it high at all, not sure what i did wrong. I even used a little less pasta and less cheese.
Hi Kelsey,
I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a lot for making it! Maybe turn to low heat next time? Have a great holiday weekend! 🇺🇸🎆 xT
I love this recipe, it’s going into regular rotation! I’m a big hamburger helper fan from childhood and always looking for recipes that use ground beef because it’s so easy. I love that it’s so delicious but the zucchini makes you feel good about also eating vegetables. You cannot taste them at all.
Thanks so much Mary!! Love to hear that you have been enjoying this dish and I appreciate you making it! xT
Hi! My daughter LOVES this recipe and she’s a picky eater!
I was wondering if you can make this with heavy cream, and if it would need to be a different amount?
Hi Emily,
So glad to hear your daughter has been enjoying this recipe! Sure, I would use an equal amount of heavy cream. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
How do you suggest making this for a freezer meal? Thank you!
Hi Katie,
I would fully make this entire dish and then freeze. You could thaw and cook on the stove top or in the oven:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
My toddler gave me the thumbs up for this one and I enjoyed it too. Definitely adding to a regular rotation! 🙂
Hi Jess,
Happy Monday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe turned out well for you and I appreciate you making it! xT
Just curious… what type of pasta did you use. I have never seen it before it looks like a perfect little cup for sauce.
Hey Lilly,
I used a shellbow pasta! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xT
Just wanted to say thanks to you. Me and my friend Emma are obsessed with your recipes. I’ve never made one I haven’t loved. You’ve made me love cooking again and I couldn’t appreciate it more. We’re from Raleigh, nc and would love to have you come here for a book signing. Also love this recipe should’ve started with that lol.
Lol thanks so much Lilie!! I am so glad you and Emma have been enjoying the recipes and I appreciate you making them:) I would love to visit North Carolina sometime, I’ve never been:) Happy Friday! xT
Can this be made ahead/frozen? Without the noodles obviously
Hi Nicole,
Sure, I don’t see why not! Let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it’s a hit! xT
Oh my gosh these flavors were spot on, took me back to my childhood! And my own 3 year old told me it was “da-li-cious” (and she’s a tough critic!). Based on some reviews I used half the pasta, followed everything else as written. Thanks for this one Tieghan, always nice to find a winner to add to our rotation!
Hey Emily,
Amazing!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was tasty for you, thanks a lot for giving it a try!🥑🥝 xT
My husband is asking for this as his at home birthday meal. That is how much he loves it 🙂
Lol love to hear this Maggie! Thanks so much for making the recipe:) Happy Birthday to your husband! xx
Wondering how long this will keep in the fridge? Thanks!
Hey Claudia,
I would say it’s good for 3-4 days after making! Let me know if I can help in any other way! xT
Used brown rice pasta, 2c oatmilk, 2c beef bone broth. This turned out perfect is DELICIOUS!! Thank you!
Hey there,
Happy Wednesday!! Thank you so much for making this recipe and sharing your review, I am so glad it was delish! xT
Made this tonight and we loved it!!!!
Hey Kelsey,
Fantastic!! 🌴🍌 I really appreciate you making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it turned out well for you! xT
It was very tasty. I had to keep adding more milk and broth, so I also added more seasoning and ketchup so it wouldn’t dry out. Next time I will use less of a different pasta. But I will probably make it again.
Hey Leslie,
Wonderful!!😃 I appreciate you making this dish and sharing your comment, so glad it was a winner! xx
I used protein+ pasta and about a quarter less than the recipe called for and it still came out quite dry. Just a heads up for anyone that may use protein pasta in the future!
It’s definitely a great base recipe though and now that I made it once I really feel like I can master it next time. Everyone’s ingredients are different so adapt as you go.
Hey Zoey,
Happy Friday!! I appreciate you making this recipe and your feedback, I am thrilled that it turned out well for you! ☀️🍉