Go Back
+ servings
Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a flavorful, quick meal made with lean ground beef and veggies, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 minute
Total Time 41 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 709 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion cut into ½-inch dice
  • 3 medium carrots scrubbed and cut into ¼-inch dice
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tablespoon)

Meat and Pasta

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (I used 93% lean)
  • 2-3 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 14-ounce can reduced sodium beef broth
  • 2 cups water plus additional as needed
  • 8 ounces whole wheat elbow pasta

Dairy and Garnish

  • 0.5 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped chives divided (optional)

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Heat a Dutch oven or a large, deep 12-inch skillet with a sturdy bottom over medium-low heat. Add the oil onion, carrot, salt, and pepper. Let cook until the onion turns brown and soft, about 10 minutes (don't shortcut this step; it builds a lot of flavor).
  • Add the garlic and let cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. With the back of a large spoon or a sturdy spatula, break the meat into small pieces. Continue to brown, stirring periodically, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes.
  • Remove pan from the heat and carefully drain off any excess fat, leaving just a little bit in the pan to keep the meat moist.
  • Return the pan to medium-high heat. Stir in the hot sauce, Dijon, and smoked paprika. Add the beef broth. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan.
  • Add the water and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Once the liquid is boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring often and scraping a spoon along the bottom of the pan to keep it from sticking. If at any point the pasta becomes too dry, splash in a bit of water.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let cool 1 minute. Add the Greek yogurt and cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are well combined.
  • Stir in half of the chives, then sprinkle the remaining chives on top. Enjoy hot.

Notes

TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days. TO REHEAT: Rewarm Hamburger Helper in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat. TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 709kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 47gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 119mgPotassium: 1047mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 8669IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 410mgIron: 5mg
Keyword ground beef, Homemade Hamburger Helper, one-pot meal, pasta, quick meal, Weeknight Dinner
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!