Healthy Hamburger Helper
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
396 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Healthy Hamburger Helper
Description
Get the Recipe: Healthy Hamburger Helper features ground meat cooked with sweet onion and seasoned with garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper. Nutritional yeast adds a savory depth, while tomato sauce, chicken broth, and canned coconut milk create a creamy base. Tapioca flour thickens the mixture as uncooked pasta simmers directly in the sauce, absorbing the flavors. This method yields a creamy, cohesive dish with tender pasta and seasoned meat throughout.
The cooking involves browning the meat then simmering with all ingredients together, allowing pasta to cook in the sauce and soak up the broth’s richness. The coconut milk contributes creaminess without dairy, but can be substituted with half and half or creamer if preferred. The nutritional yeast adds a subtle umami tone.
This meal serves 3 to 4 adults or 6 children in roughly half-cup portions and accommodates various ground meats and pasta types, making it adaptable. It’s practical when making a homestyle dinner that requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet.
Leftover portions can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Adjust seasoning during cooking based on taste. The choice between tapioca flour or cornstarch depends on availability and preference for thickening agents.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat turkey or beef
- ½ cup sweet onion diced finely
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup coconut milk canned
- 2 tsp tapioca flour or cornstarch
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
Instructions
- First, add ground meat to skillet over low medium heat. Cook until brown and crumbly. Discard grease.
- Add in chopped onion. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Then, add in all remaining ingredients including uncooked pasta. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a boil. Lightly boil for 5 minutes.
- Then, reduce heat to a low simmer. Simmer for at least 10 minutes, up to 20 minutes. Mixture may need more broth as it continues to simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Finally, remove from heat. Ladle into bowls!
Notes
- The recipe yields about ½ cup servings, sufficient for 3 to 4 adults or 6 children.
- You can substitute ground turkey, beef, pork, or sausage according to preference.
- Canned coconut milk adds creaminess, but half and half or creamer can be used if dairy is acceptable.
- Adjust seasonings as you cook to suit your taste.
- Tapioca flour can be replaced with cornstarch for thickening.
- Any pasta type can be used as desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 396 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 396kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 748mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 646mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 179IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 37mg | 4% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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