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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.
Hello! Do you squeeze the liquid out of the zucchini?
Hi Tanya,
For this recipe, you do not need to squeeze the liquid from the zucchini.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Do you drain the ground beef?
Thank you!
Hi James,
I do not, but if you have a lot of grease from yours you absolutely can drain it.
I hope you love this recipe! Please let me know if you have any other questions!
My family loved this
Hey Nicole,
Awesome! Love to hear you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for making it and your comment!
Delicious, comforting, and comes together quickly!
Hi Kathy,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try and sharing your thoughts—so happy it worked for you!
Have a nice weekend!
Mine tasted great. Followed the recipe although mine was not as soupy as your pictures. Maybe next time I’ll had a little more liquid for a little bit more liquid
Hi Katie,
Wonderful! I appreciate you trying this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a great weekend!
Do you drain the beef?
Hi James,
I do not, but you can if you feel that is needed. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Use your judgment, if you’re not using lean ground meat you’ll probably want to drain it. I’ve made this recipe several times and I always drain the meat after cooking because I’m using 85/15 ground beef from our half cow we purchased.
This is great! My toddler loved it. However it makes A LOT!!! Can I freeze half?
Hey Meghan,
Happy Monday! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try, so glad to hear it was a hit!
Yes, you can freeze this!
My family loved this and requested it “in the rotation.” I used ground turkey & chicken broth as we have a non red meat eater & subbed shredded carrots for zucchini – I had to double the liquids. Great easy meal and I love you slipping in extra veggies
Hey Corey,
Happy Friday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed!☃️
Loved it! Made the clean version with ground Turkey, mixture of Organic Chickpea pasta and Organic Brown Rice Bowties. We skipped on the paprika with a the sensitive palates.
Hey Hercules,
Perfect! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and sharing your feedback, so glad it was enjoyed!
I didn’t love this. Im not sure what I just made.
Sorry to hear this, Harley. Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
Turns out really good as it is but I always add a splash of worcestershire and a tablespoon or so of djon mustard to give it something extra
Hey Liz,
Fantastic! I appreciate you making this recipe and your notes, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a great holiday week!🎄🎁
My hubby kept asking for hamburger helper..I refuse to make the boxed stuff from childhood. I found this recipe and now my hubby keeps asking for this! It was delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Hey Leigh Ann,
Happy Sunday! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it turned out nicely for you!
Have a great holiday!🎄🎁
I keep coming back to this recipe! I use oatmilk and dairy free cheese, and I’ve also added different vegetables; shredded carrots, diced bell pepper, mushrooms. Mine never looks like these pictures haha but it’s so good. Highly recommend!
Hey Jess,
Perfect! Love to hear this recipe always turns out nicely for you, thanks for making it! Happy Holidays!🎁🎄
Loved it! Best healthy hamburger helper we’ve made. We omitted the zucchini because we didn’t have any on hand and subbed the noodles for gluten free noodles and it was fantastic
Hey Sam,
Happy Monday! I love to hear this recipe turned out well for you! Thanks for making it:)
Happy Holidays!
Oh this was so nice during a winter storm. Inexpensive but tastes divine! Thank you for the recipe!
Hey Nancy,
Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for making it and sharing your notes!
Delicious easy comfort meal for a cold winter night. Followed the recipe to a T, came out perfect !!! Will make again!
Hey Caitlin,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it was enjoyed!