Description
This Better-For-You Hamburger Helper is full of flavor and easy to make with lean ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3/4 cup canned tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or even vegetable broth)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 12 ounce box macaroni/elbow pasta (can use gluten free)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (as garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic with the ground beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink and onions turn translucent.
- Stir in the salt, paprika, oregano, tomato sauce, broth, and milk.
- Add the macaroni to the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, mix in the shredded cheese and halved cherry tomatoes, then turn off the heat once the cheese melts.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the sauté phase.
Make sure to stir frequently while simmering to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 80mg