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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.
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.
What is a good substitute the hamburger?
You can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
Can you make this gluten-free?
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
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 675 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
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!
This post was originally published on September 9, 2021
This recipe is absolutely delicious. I followed what some others recommend to boost the flavor a bit:
Added several cloves of fresh garlic
Doubled the spices
Added a squeeze of lemon juice
1 cup of almond milk and 1/2 cup of low fat greek yogurt
I also used chickpea pasta for added protein.
This recipe is a perfect fall staple. It makes me feel good to be eating food that doesn’t have a bunch of additives like the boxed stuff!
Hey Sarah,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! Thanks for sharing what worked well for you. Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
So easy and very satisfying. Love a one pot meal always and had most ingredients on hand!
Hey Kaitlin,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thank you so much for making it! xTieghan
Do you have to cook the pasta separately or add in raw?
#3 says to cook the pasta until al dente, so you should add the pasta in raw.
Hi Ashton,
You will add the pasta uncooked, it will cook in the pot with the rest of the ingredients. I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Super easy and kid approved! I didn’t have a zucchini so I left that out (wish I didn’t as the veg would have contributed to the creaminess of the dish).
I also added bacon, because why not?! And used half cheddar cheese and half pepperjack.
Leftovers are just as delicious!
Hey Elizabeth,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
So good and so easy !! Added garlic like others suggested and little more broth and it’s delicious !!
Hi Kari,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thank you so much for making it! xTieghan
This was SO yummy! I read the comments first and based on those, I doubled the spices, added more veggies, and added some fresh garlic as well- and WOW the flavor!! My boyfriend was thrilled. Definitely putting into the rotation.
Hi Lily,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
I love most recipes here, but this was a miss for me. It was just a little bland, though maybe that is how Hamburger Helper tastes (I’ve never actually had it!). I would’ve kicked it up a notch with the spices, but I was nervous my toddler wouldn’t eat it. I don’t think I’ll make it again.
Hey Kim,
So sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe, please let me know if I can help in anyway! xTieghan
This tasted just like hamburger helper but even better! I won’t ever buy the boxed stuff again!
Thanks for the fun recipe!
Hi Lori,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
This was a winner for taste and ease; my husband loved it and is thrilled there’s leftovers for dinner tomorrow night. I did use ground turkey as we’re cutting back on beef, and it was great. Added little extra garlic and cheese because, why not!
Hey Mary Beth,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
This was amazing ! Never had hamburger helper before so I had no expectation, but it seemed to me this was something my 2 teenage stepsons would love. Indeed, this will be added as a regular here! My fiance was also pleased with the conforting flavour. Will make this for our ski lunches from time to time this winter!
Hey there,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
Kinda bland…I even tried a trio of cheeses. Plus I never like pre cooked pasta in a dish while cooking with other stuff. I’ll try again with tweaks to the recipe.
Hey Deb,
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe, just an FYI the pasta is not pre-cooked, it should be cooked in the pot with everything else. I hope this helps for next time:) xTieghan
Something different. I added garlic and mushrooms and we put it on a bed of zucchini noodles, because I only had some frozen. It was definitely a winner. I look forward to your emails and posts. Thanks for keeping us hungry ?
Hey there,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
Made this last night and after reading the reviews decided to add in lots of sautéed garlic, some red wine, and extra herbs. Also used ground chicken. Was very good and family approved. Everyone ate seconds!
Hey Leila,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
I loved HH growing up and was curious if I could make this vegetarian. I used finely chopped mushrooms in place of the beef, and used veggie stock. I added sliced carrots and upped the spices and salt based on other reviews. It was so creamy and delicious, I will definitely make again!
Hi Erin,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan
Forgot to add the 5 stars to my comment!
Thanks again Tiffany!!
I had my mom make this for me last night. I’m pregnant and craving all the cozy fall/winter recipes right now. This hit the spot! So yummy! Would love to try other variations!
Hey Tiffany,
I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try!!? xTieghan