Healthier for You Hamburger Helper
Transform comfort food into a nourishing, flavor-packed meal with this "Healthier for You Hamburger Helper" recipe, a satisfying twist on the classic dish. Made with lean ground beef or turkey, whole wheat elbow macaroni, and a medley of pantry-friendly spices, this one-pot wonder delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave without the guilt. Featuring wholesome ingredients like low-sodium broth, unsweetened almond milk, and optional baby spinach for an added veggie boost, this family-friendly meal is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this lightened-up version of Hamburger Helper is packed with protein, enriched with fiber, and bursting with flavor, making it an easy and wholesome dinner option you'll love to serve.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter option)
- 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional, for added veggies)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the paprika, chili powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly coat the meat.
Add the whole wheat macaroni, beef broth, almond milk, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through.
If using baby spinach, stir it in during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your Healthier for You Hamburger Helper!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2889 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 154.1 g | 198% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.9 g | 355% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 543 mg | 181% | |
| Sodium | 3182 mg | 138% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.0 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.8 g | ||
| Protein | 202.1 g | 404% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 1942 mg | 149% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 3391 mg | 72% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
