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About This Recipe
If you grew up eating hamburger helper, you are going to flip for this homemade version! I promise, you will never go back to the boxed stuff after trying this lightened up hamburger helper. It’s made with real ingredients and simple pantry staples and the entire family will love it!
This healthy homemade hamburger helper recipe is also great easy dinner for busy weeknights because it’s made in just 30 minutes and is made all in ONE large pot!
It can also be made for meal prep and reheats like a dream the next day. It’s serious comfort food but lightened up and will definitely be in the regular rotation.
This cheesy, beefy pasta is so filling and packs a ton of protein! I love serving this dish with a side salad, green beans or broccoli.
For more cozy, protein-packed dinners, try my lasagna soup, spaghetti bolognese or pizza casserole made with biscuits!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version of Hamburger Helper
- Seriously SO much better than the boxed mix!
- An easy meal the whole family will love, even the picky eaters!
- Easy to make and cooks in one pot so clean up is a breeze!
- One of my childhood favorites but lightened up and way tastier!
- Macro-balanced and over 40 grams of protein per serving!
- Onion
- Lean ground beef
- Cornstarch
- Seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper
- Sugar
- Beef broth
- Milk – I used low-fat milk but any milk of choice works
- Pasta – I used cavatappi pasta but you can use elbow macaroni or any type of pasta of choice.
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Yellow mustard
- Fresh Parsley
- Add extra veggies! Add extra veggies like zucchini, broccoli, mushrooms, or carrots to add extra volume and fiber.
- Switch up the meat! Sub the lean ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Use whole wheat or lentil pasta! Add extra fiber and protein by using your favorite whole wheat or chickpea pasta!
- Add a little extra kick! Like things spicy? Add some extra red pepper flakes and chili powder to give it a bit of a kick!
- Make it creamy! Add a little bit of greek yogurt to make this recipe even creamier (plus, extra protein!).
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Add the onions and ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon as you go, until no longer pink.
2. Sprinkle the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar and pepper over the browned meat. Stir and continue to break up the meat as you mix the spices in.
3. Add the broth, milk, and pasta, then bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth or water if needed.
5. Add the cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Then stir in the mustard. Remove from the heat, and let sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more shredded cheese, if desired, and serve!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I seriously love this healthy hamburger helper recipe even more the next day as the flavors have had more time to soak into the noodles and beef overnight in the fridge.
I like to reheat in a small saucepan on stovetop over medium-low heat. You can also reheat in the microwave.
To freeze: place leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Don’t Overcook The Pasta!
Be sure to not overcook the pasta as you want to make sure it doesn’t get mushy in the dish. Cook pasta until just tender and the liquid has evaporated. This will ensure that your noodles stay in tact and also don’t overcook while reheating.
Can I use egg noodles for this recipe?
I do not recommend using egg noodles for this recipe. I know egg noodles are common with the traditional box recipe but I’m afraid the egg noodles would get mushy while cooking with the rest of the dish. Try to use regular, whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta noodles.
What should I serve with this homemade hamburger helper?
I love serving this dinner casserole with a side of air fryer green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots and cauliflower!
Can I freeze this lightened up hamburger helper?
Yes, this pasta dish is great to freeze. To freeze, place leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Homemade Lightened Up Hamburger Helper (One-Pot)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (80g) finely diced
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp each: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1.5 cups low-fat milk (360g)
- 8 oz. cavatappi pasta or elbow
- 6 oz. sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated – about 2 cups
- 2 tsp yellow mustard
- Parsley for garnishing
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Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray. Add the onions and ground beef and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon as you go, until no longer pink.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, sugar and pepper over the browned meat. Stir and continue to break up the meat as you mix the spices in.
- Add the broth, milk, and pasta, then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth or water if needed.
- Add the cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Then stir in the mustard. Remove from the heat, and let sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more shredded cheese, if desired, and serve!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
