Description
This Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper is a quick, nutritious, and comforting one-pot meal combining lean ground beef, creamy whole wheat pasta, and fresh veggies. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and customizable for various dietary needs while satisfying the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
Pasta & Grains
- 2 cups whole wheat pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach or other greens
- Optional: bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms (for extra veggies)
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk alternative
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Garnishes
- Salt, pepper, and herbs (parsley, Italian seasoning) to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Optional garnish: freshly chopped parsley, green onions, extra cheddar cheese, lemon juice
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula for even cooking. Drain excess fat if desired. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth followed by diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the whole wheat pasta, ensuring it is evenly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly stir in milk or plant-based milk alternative and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring gently until cheese melts smoothly into a rich, creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef.
- Mix in Greens and Final Seasoning: Add fresh spinach or other greens and let wilt in the warm sauce for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices as desired.
Notes
- Use 90% lean or higher ground beef to keep fat content low without sacrificing juiciness.
- Let the pasta fully absorb the broth by simmering uncovered for best flavor and texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for creamier sauce instead of pre-shredded.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
- Add greens last to keep them vibrant and retain nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: healthy hamburger helper, homemade hamburger helper, one pot meal, family dinner, lean ground beef recipe, quick weeknight dinner, creamy pasta with beef, nutritious comfort food
