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Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper is a hearty, family-friendly one-pot meal that combines ground beef, tender pasta, and a medley of nutritious vegetables like carrots and spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish delivers all the nostalgic flavors of the classic boxed version without any preservatives, using wholesome ingredients and flavorful spices for a delicious, feel-good dinner option.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
  • 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup defrosted frozen spinach)

Meat & Dairy

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt (whole milk or 2% recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pantry & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 8-10 ounces elbow macaroni or other small-shaped pasta (gluten-free option available)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or high-sided skillet. Add chopped onion and grated carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it up into small crumbles. Cook until browned throughout. Season with kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. Stir well to incorporate the spices.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to develop deeper flavors. Then add Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
  4. Add Spinach, Pasta, and Broth: Add the chopped spinach followed by the elbow macaroni. Pour in the broth and stir everything well.
  5. Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. If the liquid evaporates before the pasta is cooked, add an additional ½ cup of broth or water and continue cooking.
  6. Finish with Yogurt and Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the plain yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so it’s normal for there to be a lot of sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Serve Warm: Enjoy the Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a leaner protein option.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free alternative, substitute yogurt and cheese with non-dairy options or omit entirely.
  • To increase the veggie content further, feel free to add other finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Stir regularly during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Find it online: https://dishrise.com/veggie-loaded-homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe/