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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 made three of your recipes this week and the two that weren’t soup were so lackluster just due to a few small things:
-Adding onions and the meat at the same time basically guarantees no sear on the meat in both recipes. Just dull grey or pale meat.
-There was too little liquid called for in both recipes. Everything definitely would have burned had I not added more
-Lack of spice and flavor.
Bummed out since I have liked your veggie soups in the past.
Hey Becca! I’m so sorry this recipe didn’t turn out for you! Thank you for the feedback! xT
Love this recipe! It is one of my go tos for lunch meal prep! Thank you, Teighan for constantly making delicious food!
Thank you SO much! Always love to hear when a recipe is a success! Hope you have an amazing New Year! xT
Does the pasta need to be cooked first?
Our family loves this recipe especially my kids!
Thank you Elaine! xT
Made this tonight. Didn’t have zucchini so I subbed in finely chopped broccoli and a handful of spinach. My gosh was it good! So easy and nice and comforting on a cold evening! My whole family loved it! Says it served 6, but my family of 4 (with two teenage hockey boys mind you) ate the whole pot with no leftovers!
Hey! Thank you so so much! Love to hear that you’re enjoying this recipe 🙂 xT
Maybe I did something wrong but mine had way too much liquid, I kept trying to boil it down even over 10 min and it wouldn’t so all the liquid drowned all the seasoning and cheese. It was edible but I would not make again.
Hey Lindsay, I’m so sorry about that! Is there anything I can do to help? xT
Never have I ever left a review for a recipe. I cook a LOT and this is hands down my new favorite recipe- and my boyfriend’s new favorite! I swear this was the best thing I’ve ever eaten. I did change the recipe a little- used chicken broth instead of beef, used chopped fresh mushrooms instead of zucchini, and used 1/4 cup tomato paste instead of the 1tbs ketchup because I wanted it to be more tomato-y. Turned out PERFECT and made a ton- will definitely have tons of left overs! Adding this one to my go-to recipe list. MAKE THIS
Wow! Thank you so so much! I’m sooo glad you loved this hamburger helper! xT
theresa.lepeska@gmail.com
I am super excited about this recipe! Do you think I could use a gluten free pasta?
Hi Kay! Yes, you can use gf pasta! xT
I‘ve made this quite often now and my family enjoys it every time. Even my oldest child likes the zucchini in it and doesn‘t pick it out. My youngest is 13 months old and had like 4 portions today (he‘s a really good eater though). 😀
Hi Corinna,
Happy Saturday!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment! So glad to hear it was enjoyed:)
Hi Tieghan!
I made this and loved it, but I found the pasta took more than twice as long to cook and i had to double the milk/broth. I also made the one pot french onion pasta (also very tasty) and had the same issue. Is there a specific kind of pot I should be using? Do you cook with the lid on or off?
Hi Jordan,
Thanks for trying the recipes!! For one pot recipes, always cook with the lid off and you have to stir frequently so the pasta can cook evenly. I hope this helps! xx
you could also try a roue to help thicken it up.
I’ve made this multiple times and it’s delish every time. I’m wondering if this could be frozen? I’m due in January and would love to be able to heat this comfort meal up after I have the baby!
Hey Caitlyn,
Thanks so much for making this dish!! Yes, you could totally freeze it, that would work well! xT
I’ve been eyeing this recipe for so long because my boyfriend is too obsessed with hamburger helper. After a long workday and a craving for some comfort food, this was the perfect meal. It was SO quick to make (I am the queen of somehow taking way too long to follow/make recipes) and the flavor was awesome. I did a little less cheese than what the recipe called for but was still amazing and creamy; perfect consistency. My boyfriend said “You know what was the best part about that hamburger helper you made? It didn’t make my stomach hurt!” I will forsure be making this again.
Hey Francesca,
That’s fantastic to hear! Thanks for trying this dish and your comment, love that it was enjoyed! xT
I added about 6 oz of chopped fresh spinach for even more veggies, and the consistency was still creamy and cheesy and kids couldn’t even taste it!
Hi Carolyn,
Happy Monday!! Love to hear that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks for trying and your feedback! xT
Normally I love your recipes, but I found this to be very watery. I followed the recipe to a T as well. Just wondering if there’s anything else I could have done to make it thicker? The flavour was great just disappointed with the sauce 🙁
Hi Karlee,
So sorry to hear this was watery for you. My guess is your heat may have needed to be higher. I hope this helps for next time! xx