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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
Hmmmm could the be an IP recipe?
Just made it in the instant pot – so easy and delicious!
I really loved this but thought it was lacking seasoning (which is actually similar to my opinion of real hamburger helper lol). I doubled the seasoning for the meat and added a hefty sprinkle of Cajun at the end and it was perfect.
Hi Elaine! Thanks so much for the feedback, I’m glad that you still enjoyed the recipe! xTieghan
I made this for Sunday dinner at my house last night and it was delicious! I preboiled the pasta in a separate pot and then decreased the milk by a little bit and it turned out so delicious. My kids loved it!
Hi Megan! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe! So glad to hear it was enjoyed xTieghan
Whole family loves this recipe! Even the picky eater ??
Thanks so much! So glad to hear it was delish for the whole family. xTieghan
I had to add more liquid to the pot but everything turned out fine . I also added a little bit of Aleppo chili flakes because I like things spicy . It’s a good recipe for big family meals , and it yields a lot .
I love spicy too! So glad you enjoyed this recipe 🙂 xTieghan
Love this! We used Banza elbow pasta and oat milk, and daiya dairy free cheddar style shreds. YUM!
Hi there! Yum! Thanks so much for trying out this recipe, so glad to hear it was enjoyed and you made it your own! 🙂 xTieghan
So easy! I made this with Banza chickpea pasta and used ground Turkey and almond milk. What a breeze!
I can’t find that pasta at the store, what exactly is it called? When i look up short cut pasta i cant find that specific one.
Do I need to add anything if I opt not to put the zucchini in?
I would add some sort of veggie in (Maybe spinach?) in order to soak of all the liquid from the recipe. Or just add less liquid if you don’t want to use any veggies 🙂 xTieghan
Made for dinner last night, it was delicious! Easy too!! Made with 8 oz Banza chickpea pasta. This will definitely become a regular. Might try with ground turkey or chicken next time.
I’ve never had hamburger helper before, but I love one pot dishes – this was great! I added Worcestershire for a little more flavor. It does have a very brown color when it’s done but it tasted great, was fast, and everyone loved it.
Hey Emily,
Happy Sunday!! I am delighted to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, I truly appreciate you giving it a try! xTieghan
About to try – I already know it will be amazing!!! Wondering if I can sub grated carrot for zuchinni? Don’t have Zuchs and trying to avoid going to the store lol 😛
Hey Emily,
Sure, grated carrot would also work well here! I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
I used a pound of orecchiette and almost had to triple the liquid to get to cook/hydrate the pasta properly.
Hey Marc,
So sorry to hear this, I am wondering if you had your pot at a boil rather than a simmer? xTieghan
I too had to triple the amount of liquid! It wouldn’t even cover the pasta – so the level of heat didn’t matter.
So easy and so good!! Definitely bookmarking this to make throughout the winter 🙂
Hey Carlyn,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
This is amazing!! So good and so easy! I had to make it gluten free as my husband has a gluten allergy. Wasn’t sure about cooking the GF pasta in the sauce but I went with it and it turned out great! Just had to add more beef broth. My husband asked me how I made the sauce. He doesn’t usually ask that question. This is a keeper for sure!
Hey Angie,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan
Fantastic! Kids & parents loved it!
Swapped in ground turkey and shallots. Used old cheddar. Pennette rigate for the noodles. We didn’t need to double the spice. This recipe is a keeper for my family! Thank you!!
Hey Jenn,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! Have a great weekend:) xTieghan