Healthier Hamburger Helper
This healthier hamburger helper is everything you loved about the boxed classic — just made fresher, lighter, and way more flavorful. It’s a one-pot dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes and packed with lean beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, crave-worthy sauce.
As a dietitian, I gave this nostalgic favorite a nutritious upgrade with extra veggies and lighter ingredients that don’t sacrifice taste. It’s cozy, satisfying, and simple enough for any busy weeknight.
Why you need this dietitian-approved dinner
- Creamy and comforting. This healthy hamburger helper skips the box but keeps all the cozy, nostalgic flavor you crave.
- Extra filling. Thanks to a boost of protein and fiber, this recipe is hearty, balanced, and surprisingly filling.
- Perfect for busy nights. This one-pot dinner is quick to prep, easy to clean up, and totally doable on a weeknight.
- Picky eater approved. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it’s a meal the whole family will actually want to eat.
What makes this hamburger helper healthy?
- Extra lean beef. You still get all the protein, iron, and flavor from ground beef, but with less saturated fat and fewer calories.
- Hidden veggies. Zucchini and baby spinach blend right in, adding extra fiber and micronutrients without changing the flavor.
- Whole wheat pasta. Swapping in whole wheat noodles boosts the protein and fiber to help keep you full longer.
- Lighter sauce. This cheesy sauce is made with milk and broth instead of heavy cream, cutting down on calories while keeping all the comfort.
Ingredient notes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
- Olive oil: Since we’re using extra lean beef, a little oil helps get things going in the pan. I use olive oil because most people already have it, but avocado or canola oil work just as well.
- Extra lean ground beef: Look for 90/10 or leaner. It’s high in protein and lower in fat, making it a great option for a healthier hamburger helper. You can substitute ground chicken or turkey if you prefer.
- Onion and garlic: This classic combo builds the flavor base. Use a white or yellow onion, and feel free to use jarred garlic to save time.
- Zucchini: The first hidden veggie in this recipe. Dice it small so it blends right in, or swap for whatever you have on hand — bell pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, or even eggplant.
- Tomato paste: Adds rich tomato flavor without using sauce. I recommend buying it in a tube so you can use just what you need with no waste.
- Chili powder, salt, and pepper: This simple seasoning blend adds warmth and depth. Adjust to taste based on your preferences.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat. Skip it if you prefer a milder dish.
- Whole wheat pasta: Choose a pasta with added protein and fiber, like whole wheat, Barilla Protein+ Pasta or Catelli Smart Pasta. Smaller shapes like macaroni or orecchiette work best.
- Beef broth: I like using Better Than Bouillon mixed with water for a rich, savory flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth also work in a pinch.
- Milk: I use 2% milk for a creamy sauce, but any milk will do.
- Baby spinach: Another veggie boost. Roughly chop it so it wilts evenly into the pasta.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Use an aged cheddar (white or orange) for the best flavor payoff. The sharper the cheese, the more depth it brings to your dish.
Swaps and variations
- No red meat — swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey
- Extra spicy — when you add the garlic, add a teaspoon of Calabrian chili oil or an extra pinch of chili flakes
- Gluten-free — swap whole wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta or chickpea noodles
- Extra veggies — double the zucchini and baby spinach for more vegetables, adjusting the amount of liquid as needed to make sure noodles stay submerged
- Parmesan hamburger helper — swap sharp cheddar for an equal amount of freshly grated parmesan
How to make healthier hamburger helper
Brown beef and veggies: In a pan heated to medium, crumble beef with onion and zucchini until the meat is no longer pink.
Stir in garlic, spices, and tomato paste: Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes or until just fragrant.
Add pasta and liquids: Stir in pasta, broth, and milk — add more broth as needed to make sure all your noodles are submerged.
Simmer: Keep your pot uncovered and simmer until noodles are cooked and most extra liquid is absorbed.
Stir in cheese and spinach: It may take a few minutes for the cheese to melt and spinach to wilt.
Let it rest: If there’s excess liquid in the pan, cover and rest for 5-10 minutes. Stir before serving.
Top tip for one-pot pasta recipes
This recipe for healthier hamburger helper is made in one pot. That means you’ll cook the veggies and meat, and then add your liquid and pasta directly in the same pan. Everything cooks together so you don’t have to boil the pasta separately.
But here’s the key: you have to use the right amount of liquid, which can change depending on the shape of your pan. Make sure you add enough broth to submerge all of your raw pasta noodles before simmering — but not so much that it’s a soupy mess. Start with less broth and add more as needed.
Noodles not cooking? You just need more time and/or broth! Add more as needed until your hamburger helper is cooked and saucy.
Answering common questions
I don’t recommend using egg noodles because they’re delicate and more likely to fall apart in cooking. You are welcome to use gluten-free pasta as long as you stick to a small shape like macaroni — and use a trusted brand that holds its shape and isn’t too delicate.
To make this recipe vegetarian, swap ground beef for vegetarian ground round.
This recipe can be served on its own for a well-balanced dinner. Or, it goes great with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even chopped raw veggies. For a kid-friendly side, serve with garlic bread or sliced fruit.
You can use any wide pan or pot with tall sides — I like this non-stick skillet or a Dutch oven.
The key to successful one-pot pasta recipes is knowing how to adjust your liquid. You want to use enough broth and milk to submerge your noodles before they simmer, but not so much that your final product is a soupy mess. If your hamburger helper is looking dry as it cooks (or the noodles aren’t cooking), add 1/3 cup extra broth, stir, and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Repeat as needed. If your hamburger helper is too wet after cooking, turn off the heat, cover, and let it rest for 5-10 more minutes. Stir again before serving until noodles are coated with a smooth sauce.
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Healthier Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb extra lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion, diced small
- 1 medium zucchini, diced small
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- black pepper, to taste, more for serving
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional, more for serving
- 1 13-oz box uncooked whole wheat or protein pasta, macaroni or orecchietta
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet or pot
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add beef, onion, and zucchini. Break up the meat with a spatula until it's in small, even crumbles. Cook until the meat has minimal pink remaining and vegetables are slightly softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until garlic is just fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add pasta, broth, and milk. Stir. Make sure all the ingredients are submerged under liquid, and add more broth as needed.
- Cook uncovered for 8-12 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally. The exact timing will depend on the pasta brand and shape you use. You want your healthier hamburger helper at a gentle simmer — if it looks like a rolling boil, turn the heat down to medium-low or low.
- Stir in baby spinach and cheese until melted and combined. If there's excess liquid, let your hamburger helper rest for 5 minutes and stir again. Serve warm with freshly cracked black pepper and grated cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Made this tonight and we loved it. We all had seconds and cleaned our plates. Will definitely make it again, thank you!
So glad to hear that. Thanks so much!