Healthy Hamburger Helper

Forget the boxed version—try this homemade healthy Hamburger Helper instead. Everything cooks in one pot and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.

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Course: Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 23

Total Time: 28

Servings:

Calories: 534kcal

Author: Liora

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1 pound lean ground beef 85%/15% works well; leaner options are fine
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon chili powder
2 heaping Tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
2 cups milk or dairy-free alternative
8 oz uncooked macaroni or small shell pasta
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Add the ground beef and season with salt and black pepper. Cook 7-8 minutes until the meat is fully browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in paprika, oregano, chili powder, and tomato paste. Pour in the broth and milk, then mix in the uncooked pasta.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts, then toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives. Tofu crumbles work for a meatless version.

Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition