Name: Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, defrosted); 8–10 ounces elbow macaroni (or other small pasta, gluten-free if needed); 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth); ¾ cup plain yogurt (whole milk or 2% recommended); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Description

Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper is a healthier, one-pot twist on the nostalgic classic. Made with lean ground beef, hidden vegetables, tender pasta, and a creamy cheesy sauce, this family-friendly dinner is quick, satisfying, and packed with nutrition. A wholesome upgrade to the boxed favorite!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped

1 pound lean ground beef

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, defrosted)

8–10 ounces elbow macaroni (or other small pasta, gluten-free if needed)

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef broth)

¾ cup plain yogurt (whole milk or 2% recommended)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
Add ground beef, breaking into small crumbles, and cook until browned. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika.
Stir in tomato paste, then add Worcestershire sauce, spinach, pasta, and broth.
Cover and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender. Add ½ cup more broth or water if needed.
Remove lid and stir in yogurt and cheddar cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Notes

Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Frozen spinach or other frozen veggies work well in this dish.
Stir pasta frequently while cooking to prevent sticking.
Use sour cream or cream cheese instead of yogurt if preferred.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Main Dish
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 410
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 65mg