Healthier Hamburger Helper
This healthier hamburger helper is creamy, comforting, and veggie-packed — an easy one-pot dinner made in under 30 minutes.
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!
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.
Calories: 478kcal, Carbohydrates: 53g, Protein: 31g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 68mg, Sodium: 966mg, Potassium: 715mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1449IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 215mg, Iron: 5mg