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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 was so delicious, the only thing is that I found that the amount of broth I needed was almost double but that was fine and I just adjusted a little to my preference.
Hey Annelise,
Wonderful! Love that this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for sharing back!
Do you think farfalle bow tie cut pasta would work in this recipe?
Hey Kyla,
Yes, that would be just fine for you to use! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try!
Love this!! Such a good easy week night dinner. Can I freeze this?
Hey Cait,
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback after trying this recipe, I’m happy to hear it was a win!
Yes, you can definitely freeze this recipe.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend!
One of my family’s go-to recipes, so easy and perfect for meal prep. Thank you for really flavorful, whole-food-focused & easy to whip up recipes, your website has become a huge resource for me as a mom. I’m convinced it’s a huge reason why my 3 year old eats everything we put in front of her – your recipes are varied and so easy to shop for and make. Appreciate you!
Yay! Thanks so much, Kim! I am so glad to hear this recipe is always enjoyed, I appreciate you making it!
This recipe tastes as expected as written, but I did not get any creaminess or sauce at all. And I added twice as much hot broth as the pasta cooked. I also don’t know what short cut pasta means. The pictures and the link in the write up don’t look the same.
I’d love to see a version where you go ahead and cook the pasta separately and then make a good quantity of cheesy sauce (not one pot, I know). I may try to adapt on my own because the flavor and consistency are perfect for grandkids. Thanks!
Thanks for your feedback, Cindy. Sorry to hear you did not enjoy this recipe. A short cut pasta is any short noodle:) This recipe is one of my most popular and a big favorite, so I won’t be adjusting it. So sorry! Let me know if I can help in any other way!
so good
Thanks so much, Erin!
Easy, delicious, and a crowd pleaser! This meal is a one pot comfort meal, perfect for the cooler temps. Everyone in my family enjoyed it and went back for seconds!
Hey Katy,
Fantastic! So kind of you to try this recipe and leave feedback, I’m glad it was a hit!
I love this and it has been a go to for our family. Is this something that I can make ahead , refrigerate and then reheat in oven . I plan on making this for a larger group this weekend
Hey Amalia,
Happy Monday! I’m thrilled to hear this recipe always turns out well for you!
Thanks for making it so often and your comment:)
I do have a question, am I able to make ahead and reheat in oven? I am cooking this for a large group this weekend and was not sure if I would overcook pasta by making ahead and reheating . Let me know!
Totally, that would be just fine for you to do! I would just keep covered with foil.
Delicious! My whole family (especially my husband) love it. I appreciate how big the serving size is as well—makes great leftovers.
I do find it gets slightly dry so near the end I add some extra broth or just some cream.
This has become a staple meal for us!
Hey there,
Wonderful! So glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, thanks a bunch for giving it a try!
Can u use coconut milk instead of cream?
Hey Cheridan,
Sure, that will be okay for you to do. Let me know if you give this recipe a try!
I added a finely diced a green bell pepper because we had one and my dear husband will only eat vegetables that I sneak into meals. Also used protein noodles. Turned out so great! Thanks for the recipe
Hi Kelsey,
Happy Monday! Thanks so much for making this dish, love to hear it turned out well for you!
It is one of my favorite meals and so easy to make!! 10/10!
Hey PJ,
Love to hear this! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your feedback! Have a great day!
Hi! Getting ready to make this- looks so yum! The one pound pasta? That’d be two 8oz boxes? Or just one box pasta? Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
If your boxes are only 8oz, then yes, you will want to use 2 boxes. I hope you love this recipe!
Made this for my family this evening. Huge hit! Followed the recipe with the exception that I added extra broth while the noodles were cooking. It was delicious!
Hi Marsha,
Thanks for making this recipe! Love hearing it turned out just right. Have the best week!
Would have loved if it had been specific about dry pasta being added before I ruined my entire meal.
Hi Sonya,
So sorry, I am not sure what you mean. Please let me know how I can help!
Sorry this didn’t turn out for you but it doesn’t say to cook it prior to adding it in with the beef mixture. This is a one pot meal, it is expected to cook everything together in one pot. That being said I usually wait until the liquid of the milk/broth is simmering before adding my pasta to prevent it from being overcooked. Using a high quality bronze cut pasta also helps. Try it again, it’s really good and my picky family loves this recipe.