Healthy Hamburger Helper (Easy One Pot))

This Healthy Hamburger Helper is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner!  Made in one pot with lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce, it's a healthier twist on the classic boxed favorite.  Hidden veggies blend right into the sauce while bone broth adds an extra boost of protein, making this 30-minute meal a comfort dish the whole family will love.

Nothing beats a classic, and this homemade hamburger helper recipe is no exception.  It really checks all the dinner boxes:  one pot, healthy, easy, and delicious.

Not gonna lie...my kids are picky.  I'm constantly battling the "what the heck am I going to make for dinner that they'll actually eat?".  This is one of those recipes I can count on for everyone to actually finish their bowls and not tell me "this is gross".

Honestly, my daughter doesn't even like anything with cheese but she LOVES this dinner recipe.  She has no idea there's even cheese in it (or veggies).  She just thinks it's creamy and delicious ;).

This healthy hamburger helper is a homemade version of the classic boxed favorite, made with lean ground beef, elbow macaroni, real cheddar cheese and a few simple seasonings.  There's also some hidden veggies that no one will ever know are there like diced bell peppers and shredded zucchini.

The best part is that everything cooks together in one pot for an easy 30 minute dinner that's creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

I love adding bone broth for added protein and nutrients.  It's such an easy way to increase protein, collagen and gut health support!

Why You'll Love This Healthy Hamburger Helper

• one pot meal
• ready in 30 minutes
• hidden veggies
• protein-packed
• family friendly
• kid-approved
• high protein

Ingredients You'll Need for One Pot Ground Beef Pasta

• lean ground beef (I usually like 85/15)
• yellow onion
• bell pepper
• shredded zucchini
• garlic
• tomato paste
• paprika
• Italian seasoning
• bone broth
• elbow macaroni
• cheddar cheese

As far as veggies go you can mix it up or leave them out completely.  I do love the bell pepper adds so I almost always at least add that.

Some other veggie ideas I've done that work really well are: a few spoonful's of pumpkin puree, cauliflower rice, or shredded carrots.

I also recommend using a block of cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself.  It comes out much creamier!

How to Make Healthy Hamburger Helper

1. 1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.  Add onions, bell peppers (and any other veggies you are using).  Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies have softened.  About 5-7 minutes.  Stir in the garlic and cook a minute longer.
   2. Add the ground beef and break it up using a wooden spoon or spatula.  Cook until browned and no longer pink.
   3. Meanwhile, shred your cheddar cheese and set aside.
   4. Once ground beef is cooked through, add tomato paste.  Stir and cook 1 minute.  Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
   5. Add in bone broth and elbow macaroni.  Stir.  Bring to a gentle boil, then turn heat down to medium-low and simmer 8-10 minutes or until macaroni is al dente.  Be sure to stir quite often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan (if it's sticking too much, lower the heat).
   6. Remove from heat.  Stir in cheddar cheese and season with more salt or pepper if needed.
   7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Homemade Hamburger Helper:

• Don't over cook the pasta!  No one wants mushy pasta that's falling apart.
• Freshly shred the cheddar cheese.  Usually the pre-packaged cheddar cheese has cellulose powder (an anti-caking ingredient) which prevents the cheese from melting so you won't get that creamy sauce.
• Simmer gently and be sure to stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Variations:

• You could also use ground turkey or chicken instead of the ground beef
• Experiment with different cheese: a smoky gouda would be delicious!
• Some other veggie ideas are peas or spinach (long as your kids don't mind)
• Make it spicy!  Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the onions and veggies while sauteing.
• Use whole wheat or chick pea pasta.

Storage and Reheating:

• This hamburger helper recipe is best eaten right away.  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: place in a saucepan over low heat.  Cover and cook, stirring occasionally until heated through.  Add more cheese or a splash of broth/milk if it's dry.
• I wouldn't recommend freezing this recipe since it's one pot and you cook the pasta in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Healthy Hamburger Helper ahead of time?

You could prepare the recipe up until adding the broth and pasta.  When you're ready to serve, add the broth and bring to a boil before adding the pasta, then follow the remaining recipe steps.

Can I freeze Healthy Hamburger Helper?

I don't recommend freezing this recipe.  The pasta might have a different texture and reheating might cause it to become mushy.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes!  Either ground turkey or chicken would work great.

What vegetables can I hide in Hamburger Helper?

Diced bell peppers, cauliflower rice, shredded zucchini or carrot, or pumpkin puree all work nicely.  You can do a combination of two or 3 if you want.  You could also stir in some frozen peas or spinach when you add the cheese.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes!  Just use your favorite gluten free pasta.  Jovial is my favorite gluten free pasta.  You may need to adjust the cooking time.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

• • Ground Turkey & Broccoli Noodle Casserole

• • Everything Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

• • Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Feta Pasta

• • Chicken Sausage, Apple & Veggie Skillet

• • Sheet Pan Asian Chicken Thighs with Broccoli