Go Back
–+ servings
Hamburger helper in a bowl and a skillet.
Print

Hamburger Helper

Growing up, homemade Hamburger Helper was one of my favorite meals ever! After lots of testing, this recipe tastes just like I remember and comes together in one pot in just 30 minutes. It's truly the BEST weeknight dinner, and now my kids love it too. Skip the boxed version and make this simple, healthier, high-protein version instead!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 469kcal
Author Christine McMichael

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot

Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 3/4 cup canned tomato sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 12-ounce box macaroni/elbow pasta can use gluten free
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish
  • red pepper flakes optional to taste

Instructions

  • In a large heavy pot (or dutch oven), heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion, garlic and ground beef (breaking up with your spoon) and sauté for 8-10 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent.
  • Stir in the salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, oregano, tomato sauce, broth and milk.
  • Add the pasta to the pot, mix and turn the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, keeping the pot uncovered and stirring often. Make sure to mix at the bottom of the pot too so that the pasta doesn’t stick.
  • Once the pasta is cooked through (taste some on a spoon to check), mix in the shredded cheese and tomatoes. Turn off the heat as soon as the cheese melts.
  • Serve into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes.

Video

Notes

  • I decided to go with 1 ½ pounds of ground beef, but you can reduce it to just 1 pound if you want!
  • Use protein pasta for an even higher-protein version of this easy recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.75Cups | Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1139mg | Potassium: 920mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 920IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 5mg