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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 was a great recipe, and ACTUALLY easy to make!
i used ground bison instead of ground beef, and left out the zucchini and made a different vegetable side dish. i used mezzi rigatoni, and the pasta cooked beautifully. it was my first time making pasta this way (as opposed to just traditional boiling water and all). this took me less than 40 minutes total
i’m finally getting back into cooking again, and am trying to learn a lot, and this was a great recipe to try out. easy, quick, and i’m excited to play around with it and try different substitutions.
Hey Jazmin,
Yay!! Happy Friday! Love to hear you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a bunch for making it! xx
How did this work so well for so many people. I had to add cups and cups of water to get the noodles to cook….
Hi Megan,
So sorry to hear you had issues with this recipe. What kind of noodles did you use? Any chance your heat was just way too high? Did you stir a lot? Let me know how I can help! xx
My husband and I love this recipe! Anyone know how to estimate the nutrition facts for this recipe? specifically carbs, fat, and protein?
Thanks so much, Lindsay! You should be able to enter all of the ingredients into an online nutrition calculator. I hope this helps! xx
I make this weekly. It’s delicious, nutritious and easy! My whole family loves it and one pot meals are a no brainer for me with our busy schedule. Seriously so good
Hi Michele,
Happy Monday! I appreciate you making this recipe so often and your comment, love to hear it is always a winner!!
Could you use partly half and half or would that make it too rich?
HI Donella,
I think that would be just fine for you to do. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
It was a hit!!! Very easy & quick!
Hi Julie,
Happy Sunday! I’m thrilled to hear this recipe turned out well for you, thanks a lot for making it! xx
My son’s 10 year old friend told me the favorite thing his mom makes is Hamburger Helper and I laughed, but then learned it was this recipe. I made it and it became a favorite of my three kids. They even like it better than mac and cheese! I do double the liquid and spices to make it creamier.
Lol love to hear this!! Thanks for making this recipe so often, so glad it is always a hit with your family! xx
I’ve made this recipe before and I LOVE it. Looking to make it for a crowd, would you serve this and keep it warm in a crockpot or a baking dish more like a casserole?
Thanks so much, Jennifer! I think transferring to a crockpot to keep on warm is a great idea! I hope this helps! xx
Great dish. Comfort Food for sure.
Made one with Ground Turkey and one with Ground Impossible
Didn’t have beef broth used chicken
I did add a bit more liquid ( milk and broth) as needed to thin out to my liking.
Thanks so much, Belkys:) Love to hear this dish turned out well for you, I appreciate you making it! Have a great Thursday!
This came out very plain for me. It does feel healthy and not so heavy compared to the box version, otherwise. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Hi there,
Thanks so much for trying this recipe and your comment, sorry to hear you didn’t love it!
Could you use a different type of cheese other than cheddar?
Hi Allison,
Sure, you could use whatever you like. I hope you love this recipe, let me know if you give it a try!
What brand shortcut pasta do you recommend?
Hey Angie,
It’s totally up to you, I love Delallo brand:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
I’ve made this several times now and my 6 year old loves it so much. I typically wait until the liquid is simmering before adding the pasta. Then I add the cheese when the pasta is almost al dente. It is important to use a good quality pasta as well to prevent it from falling apart.
Hi Sarah,
Yay! Love to hear this:) Thank you so much for making this recipe and your comment! Have the best day!!
I had a heart transplant in January 2025. All my meals need to be heart healthy. I used ground venison since it is leaner and I have a bunch. I also used whole grain noodles. It was awesome and so much healthier.
Hi Stephen!
Thanks a lot for making this recipe and your feedback! So glad you were able to make it to your liking. Have a wonderful week! xxT
Is there a way to batch and freeze this? With the pasta?
Hi Cheri,
Sure, I would just freeze after making:) I hope this helps! xx
Could you freeze and bake after preparing?
Hi Tori,
Sure, that would be just fine for you to do. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
So delicious! I’m vegetarian and used the Impossible version of ground beef and veggie broth! Thank you!!!
Thanks a lot, Ashley! Love to hear you enjoyed this recipe, I appreciate you making it and your comment!!
Hi. I have not tried yet, but will. I grew up on Hamburger Helper and this healthier version is calling to me. I wanted to know if this could be frozen ? Looking for meals i can make as well as freeze for future.
Thank you for your time.
Hi Amy,
Sure, you could freeze this! Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx