Healthy Hamburger Helper Recipe

5 from 1 vote

If you grew up loving Hamburger Helper, this homemade version - a healthy hamburger helper recipe - is about to be your new go-to weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, comforting, and comes together in one pot in under 30 minutes—but made with real, wholesome ingredients (no mystery powders here 🙌).

Prep Time10

Cook Time18

Total Time28

Course: Dinner, Main, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Servings:

Calories: 622kcal

Author: Danielle Fahrenkrug

Equipment

Food Processor
Saute Pan Large

Ingredients

1 lb 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey, both can be lean
2 cups rice gluten-free elbow pasta
1 onion small, diced
2 garlic cloves minced
2 cups beef broth
1 cup non-fat milk (or dairy-free milk like almond or oat)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
½ cup carrots cut into large chunks then measured
½ cup zucchini diced into large chunks then measured
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt I use pink salt, adjust to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
While the meat cooks, add the carrots and zucchini to a food processor and blend. Set aside. Stir in onion and garlic to the meat. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Mix in ground down carrots and zucchini. Cook another 2–3 minutes (they’ll soften and blend right in).
Pour in broth, milk, pasta, and seasonings. Stir well.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
Let it sit a few minutes to thicken, then serve warm! Season with more salt to taste if needed.

Notes

Use light cheese for less fat and calories.

Dairy-Free Option:
Use unsweetened almond or oat milk
Swap cheese for dairy-free shredded cheese OR:
2–3 tablespoon nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor

Nutrition