Description
This Homemade Hamburger Helper is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that’s a healthier take on the classic. Lean ground beef, vegetables, and whole wheat pasta are simmered in a savory broth and finished with Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese for a creamy, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 3 medium carrots, scrubbed and cut into 1/4-inch dice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 2 to 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
- 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped chives, divided (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion, carrots, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion is browned and soft (about 10 minutes).
- Add Garlic: Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Brown Beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Break into small pieces and cook until browned (about 6 minutes).
- Drain Fat: Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasonings: Return pan to medium-high heat. Stir in hot sauce, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Add beef broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Add water and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, stirring often. Add water if pasta becomes too dry.
- Add Cheese and Yogurt: Remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute. Add Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in half of the chives, then sprinkle remaining chives on top. Serve hot.
Notes
- To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Rewarm in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- To Freeze: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 709 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 119
