Healthy Hamburger Helper

User Reviews

4.9

30 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    23 mins

  • Total Time

    28 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    534 kcal

  • Course

    Dinner

  • Cuisine

    American

Healthy Hamburger Helper

Skip the boxed meal and make this homemade healthy hamburger helper instead. It's a one pot meal that's ready in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped, medium
  • 2 garlic minced, cloves
  • 1 lb ground beef I used 85%/15%, but you could go leaner, if desired, lean
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper ground
  • ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste, fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 heaping Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk whole or dairy-free
  • 8 oz macaroni noodles or small shells
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, mild
  • parsley for serving, fresh

Instructions

  1. Add oil to a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Once oil is hot, add onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook 7-8 minutes until your meat is cooked through. Drain fat, if needed.
  3. Add spices, tomato paste, broth and milk. Stir in dry pasta.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook about 8-12 minutes, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring often.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Let sit for 1-2 more minutes until cheese has melted and then toss to combine.
  6. Serve immediately with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

  • Storage: You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Place them in an airtight container—keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
  • Substitutions: Lighten it up with ground turkey or chicken, or go meatless with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat.”

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1/6 recipe Calories 534kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 38g (13%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 29g (45%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Monounsaturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 98mg (33%) Sodium 770mg (32%) Potassium 300mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 534 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/6 recipe
Calories 534kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 38g 13%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 29g 45%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 98mg 33%
Sodium 770mg 32%
Potassium 300mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9

30 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

Easy Baked Sweet Potatoes

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

Creamy Chicken Pasta Salad

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

Candied Yams

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Buffalo Wings

American
5.0 (63 reviews)

Lamb Stew

Irish
5.0 (18 reviews)

Broccoli Casserole

American
5.0 (36 reviews)

Crab Cake Sandwich

American
5.0 (15 reviews)

S'mores Bars

American
5.0 (21 reviews)

Vegetable Beef Stew

American
5.0 (30 reviews)

Cajun Roasted Turkey

American
5.0 (39 reviews)

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

American
5.0 (27 reviews)