Description
Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying, this Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper is a lighter twist on the classic boxed favorite. Made with lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and real ingredients you can feel good about, it comes together in just one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and cozy dinners, it’s nostalgic comfort food—without the preservatives.
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Ingredients
For the Hamburger Helper:
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp mustard powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1½ cups whole wheat elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (for creaminess)
Optional Add-Ins:
1 cup chopped spinach or kale (stir in at the end)
1 grated carrot or zucchini (cook with the meat)
Red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
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Heat a large pot over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Add chopped onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, mustard powder, black pepper, and salt.
Step 2: Build the Base
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
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Add milk and beef broth, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Simmer
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Stir in the uncooked pasta.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Yogurt
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Turn off heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
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Fold in Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.
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Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
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Spoon into bowls and top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a dash of hot sauce if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy this lightened-up classic!
Notes
Use Whole Wheat Pasta – Adds fiber and a nutty bite without sacrificing comfort.
Shred Your Own Cheese – Melts smoother and has better flavor than pre-shredded.
Don’t Skip the Yogurt – Adds creaminess and a little tang without heavy cream.
Make It Your Own – Add veggies or use ground turkey or chicken for variety.
Adjust Seasoning – Add a little more salt or mustard for extra punch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American