Healthier Hamburger Helper
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You'll never want boxed pasta again after you try this healthier hamburger helper! The flavor is next level and it's sure to become your family's favorite immediately. Plus it only requires one pan to make and I'm here for minimal dishes.

Be sure to check out some of my other pasta recipes like my Lighter Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli!
Why You'll Love This Healthier Hamburger Helper
✔️ Creamy & Delicious - This dish just screams comfort and the flavor is fantastic! I promise you won't be missing a box mix.
✔️ One-Pan Convenience - Minimal cleanup with few dishes. Can I get an amen?!
✔️ Great For Leftovers - This works great for leftovers. My kids love taking it in thermoses for their school lunches.
Ingredients:
- Oil & Seasonings - Olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Lean Ground Beef - I prefer 1 lb of 93% lean beef or leaner to lower the fat content
- Canned Goods - 15 oz Canned tomatoes (diced, canned), 3 ½ cup Beef broth
- Pasta - 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- Cheese - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. I like to shred the cheese on my own and feel that it melts better in the recipe when it's freshly grated! You can add more cheese if you'd like, just keep in mind it will change the nutrition facts.
How to Make Healthier Hamburger Helper
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add garlic and cook for about 3 minutes.
2. Add in the beef and cook until no longer pink. Remove any excess grease.
3. Add in the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, diced tomatoes, and broth and bring up to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot and cook for as long as the package instruction states, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Once the pasta is cooked through, shut off the heat and add the cheese. Stir together, then let the pasta sit for 5 minutes while the sauce continues to thicken up. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve!
Healthier Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Once heated, add garlic and cook for a few minutes.
- Add in the beef and cook until no longer pink. Remove any excess grease.
- Add in the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, diced tomatoes, and broth and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the pasta to the pot and cook for as long as the package instruction states, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the pasta is cooked through, shut off the heat and add the cheese. Stir together, then let the pasta sit for a few minutes minutes while the sauce continues to thicken up. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
This Healthier Hamburger Helper is a satisfying, flavorful, and nutritious dish that's perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, and don't forget to share your creations by tagging me on social media! @wholesomenutritionco
Want More Healthy Family Favorites?
Check out my Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, or my One Pan Southwest Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet. These are packed with good nutrition and are sure to be favorites in your house!
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My kids and even my mom's favorite! 🙂 And one that my kids friends all ask me to make when they come over. It feeds a crowd and tastes so yummy!
Ooooo I bet the rotel was tasty in there too! 🙂
Used rotel and extra cheese. 🙂
Thanks, Rachel! Same! I think my kids ask for it every week! 🙂
This looks and sounds delicious, Hannah. I love how fast it is and how simple the ingredients are.