A homemade, healthy high protein homemade hamburger helper version of the classic comfort food Hamburger Helper. This dish is a family favorite and it is perfectly seasoned. You’ll feel so good feeding this to your family with simple, wholesome ingredients and be ready for folks to go back for seconds.
Make enough for leftovers!
As always, I’m all for a generous serving. This recipe makes 8 big servings. If you are only cooking for a few people then halve the recipe but leftovers reheat and taste just as delicious!
Type of Meat?
I used 96% lean ground beef. However, you can use any ground beef. The leaner the meat, the less calories and fat will be in the recipe. Lean meat really does well in this recipe because you get the creaminess from the sauce. If you use a higher fat beef, make sure to drain the grease. Ground bison, elk or venison would be delicious too.
Type of Milk?
I used skim milk in my recipe, but any type of dairy milk will work. I haven’t tried this with a diary substitute but I know coconut milk (full fat if you aren’t worried about fat/calories) would be a great option.
Type of Noodles?
I used Barilla Protein Penne Pasta to add extra protein fiber to this dish. Additionally, this could be a high protein homemade hamburger helper, too, with egg noodles or macaroni noodles. You can use any noodle you choose. You’ll cook them for as long as the package instructs.
Homemade Hamburger Helper (One Skillet)
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings5
minutes30
minutes426
kcal40 g
43 g
12 g
Family Favorite and Healthy version of the classic comfort food!
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (choose 96% lean for a lower fat/calorie option)
1 14.5 oz Barilla Penne Protein Pasta
1 onion, diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1.5 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
2 cups of milk (I used skim)
2 cups of beef stock or broth
2 cups of spinach
1 1/4 cups of grated cheddar (I used Sargento 4 State Cheddar)
Directions
- Brown ground beef and onion in a large, deep skillet or pot. Drain excess fat if you aren’t using a lean beef.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook one minute longer.
- Add the dry pasta to the beef mixture.
- Add the milk and beef broth to the skillet with the beef and stir.
- Stir in Worcestershire and ketchup.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add spinach, cover and reduce heat to a low boil and cook until noodles are done according to package.
- Stir in shredded cheese at the end and serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Nutrition calculated using ingredients I listed that I used.
