Healthier Hamburger Helper

5 from 25 votes

This healthier hamburger helper is creamy, comforting, and veggie-packed — an easy one-pot dinner made in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Healthy, High Protein, One Pot Recipe

Servings: servings

Author: Miranda Galati, MHSc, RD

Equipment

1 large non-stick skillet or pot

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

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!

Notes

Storing leftovers: Healthy hamburger will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you choose to freeze leftovers, they'll stay good for up to three months -- but de-frost in the fridge overnight before heating.

Re-heat on the stove: Transfer your leftover healthy hamburger helper to a non-stick pan. Sprinkle with water, cover, and turn the heat to medium. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until noodles are warm and sauce is bubbling, stirring occasionally.

Re-heat in the microwave: Transfer your homemade hamburger helper to a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle with water and cover with a paper towel. Microwave for 60-90 seconds or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition