Healthy Hamburger Helper

Prepare a homemade meal instead of relying on pre-packaged options. Why not make it a go-to weeknight dinner that the whole family adores?
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ingredients Needed Substitutions Why settle for a bland, processed boxed meal when you can easily upgrade your Hamburger Helper game? Simply swap out the usual ground beef for leaner turkey or bison, add some aromatic veggies like onions and bell peppers, and substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones. Don’t forget to sneak in some extra fiber-rich ingredients like brown rice, black beans, and roasted sweet potatoes. And if you really want to get wild, toss in some chopped kale or spinach for an added nutritional boost!Brittany’s Tip How to Serve Storing & Reheating Leftovers Frequently Asked Questions More Pasta Recipes

Growing up, my diet consisted largely of processed and fast foods, which had become staples in my household. As a child, I fondly recall devouring Hamburger Helper with gusto.

As I’ve had children of my own, there are specific nostalgic recipes that I long to share with them. I’m not keen on serving my children the processed meals I myself devoured as a youngster, which is why I decided to create a wholesome, from-scratch alternative to traditional Hamburger Helper that’s free from artificial preservatives and unwanted additives.

After a few iterations, I finally nailed the perfect blend of texture and taste in this recipe, leaving me utterly enthralled. This rendition uses uncomplicated, wholesome ingredients to deliver the rich, satisfying flavor I fondly recall enjoying in my childhood. The best part? This recipe has become a family favorite for our children and me alike. The twins enthusiastically devoured the dish each time I prepared it during the testing process.

Whether you were a childhood fan of Hamburger Helper or discovered its convenience later in life, this recipe is sure to delight not only you but your entire household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan to rule them all – effortless cooking, simplified cleanup, and unparalleled satisfaction in every bite.
My children had a blast with this product, which is all the more appealing to me because of its reliance on genuine, wholesome components.
With succulent pasta, velvety melted cheese, and aromatic spices, this dish embodies the epitome of comfort cuisine.
Explore the possibilities with dairy-free milk, opt for leaner ground beef, and add some creative veggie flair – make this dish truly yours!

Ingredients Needed

And by incorporating these ingredients, you’ll infuse your dish with a rich, savory flavor profile that far surpasses anything found in a pre-packaged mix.
You can opt for 85% lean ground beef, although a preference for leaner options is entirely understandable. Ground turkey works too!
These spices infuse the dish with a rich, comforting warmth, subtly hinting at smokiness and depth of savoury notes.
adds depth and intensity to the sauce, its robust tomato flavour enriching the overall taste experience as it thickens the consistency.
The richness of a well-crafted broth is paramount in cooking pasta to perfection, as it provides the foundation for an explosion of flavors. Consider a reduced-sodium approach to maintain a lighter overall flavor profile.
Consider using whole milk for its rich and creamy texture – a conventional option that works well; however, please don’t hesitate to substitute with dairy-free milk alternatives if your dietary preferences dictate it.
Or, for a taste of tradition, choose pasta shapes that cook beautifully within the sauce, absorbing every nuance of flavour.
Freshly shredded cheese melts magnificently, imparting a luscious, velvety texture to the dish that exudes warmth and comfort.

Substitutions

Who’s up for a party? Get creative with your protein game – try swapping in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist on this classic dish. When adopting a meatless diet, consider using crumbled tofu or your preferred plant-based ground alternative to maintain a similar texture.
To replicate the creamy texture, substitute dairy with non-dairy alternatives like almond, cashew, or oat milk. The dish consistently yields a satisfyingly rich and comforting experience.
Explore dairy-free alternatives by opting for a plant-based cheese you love, or discover the umami-rich taste of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flair sans dairy. You won’t miss a thing!
Vegetarian options don’t have to sacrifice flavor – low-sodium vegetable broth brings a rich depth to the dish when substituting for meat-based broths.

Why settle for a bland, processed boxed meal when you can easily upgrade your Hamburger Helper game? Simply swap out the usual ground beef for leaner turkey or bison, add some aromatic veggies like onions and bell peppers, and substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones. Don’t forget to sneak in some extra fiber-rich ingredients like brown rice, black beans, and roasted sweet potatoes. And if you really want to get wild, toss in some chopped kale or spinach for an added nutritional boost!

Add a moderate amount of oil to a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, allowing it to heat evenly before proceeding with cooking. With oil sizzling in the pan, toss in the aromatic duo of sautéed onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is aromatic and slightly caramelized.

Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper before adding in 1 pound of browned ground beef, stirring until well combined. Cook for approximately 7-8 minutes, or until the meat reaches a safe internal temperature to ensure it’s thoroughly cooked. Drain fat, if needed.

Stir in dry pasta.

Gently bring to a rolling simmer over medium heat. Cook for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and the majority of the liquid has been absorbed.

Letting the mixture cool slightly, then stirring in a generous amount of melted cheese, allows for an effortless blending of flavors. Allow the dish to sit for 1-2 minutes, permitting the cheese to melt thoroughly before tossing.

Brittany’s Tip

Go for fresh cheese! Worth the extra effort: Freshly shredded cheese is a game-changer. While pre-shredded cheese may contain additives hindering its meltability, grating a block of cheese yourself yields a velvety, creamy texture elevating this dish to new heights. Plus, the flavor is unbeatable!

How to Serve

Savoring warm servings of classic Healthy Hamburger Helper, garnished with a burst of freshness from parsley and chives, is pure comfort culinary bliss. A little extra attention to detail can make all the difference. Consider elevating this dish with these innovative suggestions:

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

: Got leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate to maintain freshness for 3-4 days. As the dish cools, simply reinvigorate its rich texture by whisking in a judicious amount of milk or low-sodium broth.

: This dish freezes well! Allow the mixture to cool fully before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container. The contents will remain fresh for a period of three months. When you’re ready to serve, allow the dish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Totally! This dish lends itself well to being prepared ahead of time. Store leftovers in the refrigerator, then reheat as needed by adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the dish’s velvety texture.

Of course! Consider a medley of pasta shapes, including tiny shells, versatile rotini, and classic penne. Check the pasta periodically from an early stage to ensure it reaches the perfect al dente texture?

If the sauce is overly viscous, consider introducing a judicious amount of milk or broth to achieve a more balanced consistency. If the sauce appears too thin, allow it to simmer for an additional two minutes to achieve the desired consistency. With a few minor adjustments, you’re ready to go!