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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.
I have never had actual Hamburger Helper before, but this homemade version was delicious! I tried this recipe out last night for dinner, as it seemed like a meal my husband would love. I was right, it was a hit! Super quick to make on a busy weeknight, with lots of flavor. Thanks, Tieghan!
Hey Kristie,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
I have to say I have never ever eaten hamburger helper. I was very intrigued by this recipe and had to try it. So good! Quick, easy, delicious! Wonderful week night dinner.
Hey Candace,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
WOWWWW. This was incredible!!! Came together so fast and was so flavorful. Curious what a serving size is for this meal? Thanks!
Hey Joely,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! Sorry, I don’t have an exact measurement for 1 serving size, just what a typical amount might be fore one person. xTieghan
This recipe is delicious and easy to get together.
However, I needed to add more liquid to get the pasta cooked. I used macaroni, wondering what kind of pasta you used ??
Thank you for all your superb recipes.
Hey Lisa,
Happy Monday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! I used shellbows, you may have had the heat slightly higher than mine.🍁 xxT
I really like the flavor profile of this dish…did add a bit more spices and a little worteshire sauce to add some more flavor as it was a little bland initially. But, while I loved the flavor, the pasta got very gummy, sucked up all the liquid and had a strange texture in the end. I added more broth and milk to help with that, but didn’t help enough. I know it’s supposed to be a ‘one pot’ dish, but I think I will try this by adding cooked pasta towards the end next time. Thank you for the wonderful recipes!
Hey Laura,
Thanks for giving the recipe a try, sorry you didn’t love it. xTieghan
I feel the same way. It’s very bland tasting. Gummy – I did add more milk and broth and that did nothing.
What should I add to make it more tasty?
I added a little bit more of each seasoning.
What did I do wrong?
I have 12 people coming over for dinner tonight.
Thank you,
Terri
Hi Terri,
Sorry to hear this….if it’s gummy that makes me feel like too much liquid was added and the pasta is overcooked. xx
Did you cover with a lid when simmering? My sister had this same exact problem when she tried the recipe and she didn’t use a lid. When I tried it I simmered with a lid and it was perfect!
Hey Maria,
I did not cover with a lid when simmering. I think some issues people are having is their “simmer” could be a little to high and they could also be using too large of noodles. xTieghan
Add broccoli!
Hey Susan,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
I made this and my family absolutely loved it! definitely one of the easier and heartier recipes! 10/10!
Hey Sonya,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This was so good! My husband is lactose intolerant, so I used lactose free milk and vegan cheese, and it came out perfectly!
Hey Melanie,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
What kind of pasta is used in the pictures?
Hey Deanna,
I used Delallo Shellbow noodles. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Hi Deanna,
If you can’t find Delallo Shellbow noodles, I used Barilla Pipette and it is the same shape. Came out great! – Kristie
This is so yummy, easy and the whole family loved it. I’m cooking it again tonight with chicken!
Thanks for the awesome recipe.
Hey Julie,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
I rarely comment on recipes but had to for this. My family, especially son and grandson LOVED it! I made it almost exactly as posted – had to swap out the pasta for what I had on hand. Still worked great and is a keeper. Added only half of the chili powder for our toddler.
Thank you for all of your recipes – really appreciate them and what you do!
Hey Linda,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Amazing- tastes even better than I thought it would and just like the hamburger helper I remembered. Really fantastic. Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes. Love them all!!
Hey Jennifer,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Made this last night for my husband and he ate it again for lunch today. This brings us both back to our childhood when Hamburger Helper was a treat to eat. I loved adding the zucchini and next time I will add shredded carrots too! I doubled the cheese because we like it extra cheesy ?
Hey Dawn,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Is the calorie content per serving?
Hey Eileen,
Yes, that is correct. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Except it’s definitely not right.
Made this for dinner tonight! I added half ketchup and half siracha. Its so good! Made ahead of time and my hubby will reheat in the smoker tonight.
Hey Lauren,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
Super delicious. I actually didn’t eat Hamburger Helper as a kid (at least from what I can remember) so I have no idea what this is supposed to taste like. All I can say is that it’s super easy and delicious. Love the hidden healthy zucchini. Definitely will add this recipe into the mix!
Hey Amy,
I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan