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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
What can you use instead of the milk and cheese?
Hey Dina,
Unfortunately, you definitely won’t want to skip the milk and cheese in this recipe:) Please let me know if I can help in any other way! xx
Amazing recipe! So quick and easy and delicious. I made with the banza chickpea noodles – they cooked really well
Thank you so much for trying out the recipe! So glad you are enjoying this yummy one pot recipe, Anne! 🙂 xT
Made this recipe tonight for dinner with the Carbe Diem Elbow Pasta. I ended up needing to add about 2 additional cups of broth, but turned out great!!
Hey Alexis,
Love to hear it! I appreciate you giving this recipe a try and sharing your input! Have the best week ahead! xT
I just made this for the first time tonight and it’s so delicious! I did end up adding a splash more broth and milk to make it a bit creamier but I really loved it! For those of you saying it tastes bland, just add more salt 😉 Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you so much Bernie! I’m so glad you’re loving this recipe, thanks for giving it a try! 🙂 xT
I added 2 additional cups of broth and a half a block of cream cheese. Takes a bit longer to cook – might make it again and boil the noodles separately.
Tasted good – added additional salt and dijon mustard too.
Hi Jane! Thank you for trying out this recipe! So glad you enjoyed it, and I appreciate the input! 🙂 xT
I would make this almost every night if my husband would let me. (He likes it plenty, but I am obsessed.) It is so tasty and satisfying. I often don’t have zucchini in the house so I substitute shredded carrot which is just as good. Highly recommend and so grateful for it!
Hi there! Thank you so much for trying out this recipe! I am so glad you are loving this hamburger helper! Have a great week! xT
So good! Definitely putting this into the rotation! I added some dashes of Red Hot to only my plate. It elevated everything and gave it a delicious tang. My family loved theres. Thanks!
Hi Stephanie! Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try! Love to hear you enjoyed it! Have a great week! xT
So simple but so delicious and everyone went back for seconds. I used bone broth and a bit more cheese otherwise exactly as written. Will become a staple. Thank you for another yummy recipe!
Hi Brittany! I’m so happy to hear this one was such a hit, and that second helpings were a given! I’m thrilled this will become a go-to for your family! Thanks so much for sharing your tweaks! xT
This was a fantastic, kid friendly, tasty and easy meal I could make for my family on a weeknight after work. I don’t know why other reviewers said it was tasteless. It was like a gourmet version of hamburger helper. Soooo good. Thank you for another great recipe Teighan!
Hi Sara! I’m so happy to hear this! Love that it was quick, easy, and family friendly for you. that’s exactly what I hope for with weeknight recipes! Thank you so much for making it and sharing your kind words! 🙂 xT
Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of milk?
Hi Rosha! Yes, you can definitely add heavy cream instead of milk in this recipe! Hope you enjoy! xT
Not a whole ton of flavor which was surprising because HBH always brings such good flavor. Won’t be making this one again.
Hi JD! I am so sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe! Thank you for the input, it’s always appreciated! Have a good day! xT
This was bland and very heavy. I will not make again.
Hey Lee! I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe! Thank you for giving it a try! xT
The milk immediately curdled when I added it
Hi Julia! I’m so sorry about that! Next time I would maybe try to warm up the milk a little bit before adding it in to try to prevent curdling! Hope this helps! xT
My go to when I don’t know what else to make for dinner! So flavorful and delicious!!
Hi Jocelyn! You can never go wrong with some homemade hamburger helper! Thanks so much for the kind comment! Have a great week 🙂 xT
Tieghan,
This recipe is a big hit! My grandchildren come for the summer and they are responsible for 2 dinners each week, including selecting the recipes, shopping for the food, cooking and serving the meal. I also pick recipes for my nights that I think they will be able to cook solo and with ingredients their parents likely have on hand. I love the addition of the zucchini, especially since one of the summer meal requirements is that a veggie is included. This was a great way to show them you can add veggies into a meal without really noticing it is there, all the benefits without the battle. They are all excited to get in the kitchen and make this one for their families when they return home!
Hey Shiloh,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a bunch for your comment and making this recipe, love to hear it was a hit!☀️ What a fun idea! xx
My family of four has sincerely enjoyed this recipe time and time again. Everytime I mention that this is going to be made, I get big smiles and happy hearts! I do need to ask, and I truly apologize if this has been answered before, if this is able to frozen? Obviously without adding the cheddar cheese, but after it’s completed up until that step? Thankyou so much for this recipe!
Hey Vanessa,
Love to hear this:) I’m so glad this recipe is always enjoyed by your family! Yes, I freeze this all the time for my family, it works nicely:) Happy Friday! xx
how do you thaw and reheat it…we have leftovers that I’d like to freeze for future individual lunches? I’ve completed the full recipe so curious how you’d thaw and reheat for best texture, taste, quality.
Hi Sarah! To freeze the leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags for individual lunches. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, broth, or water to bring back the creamy texture! xT