This Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is just like your childhood favourite, but with some added healthy upgrades.
I’ve been craving all of my childhood favourites lately! I haven’t eaten hamburger helper in years, but this long winter stuck at home has had me reminiscing on all my cozy favourites from the past. Rather than purchasing a box of the pre-packaged stuff, I figured I would give a healthier homemade version a try.
This Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper copy cat recipe is loaded with veggies to keep things balanced, and much lower in sodium than the boxed version. You’ll also love that everything cooks in one pan – even the noodles – which helps to cut down on dishes.
Ingredients needed for Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ground beef: traditional hamburger helper uses beef, but feel free to swap for ground chicken or turkey.
Onion: this adds flavour to the recipe.
Mushrooms: I love the meaty texture that mushrooms add to this meal. Plus, they take on the flavour of the recipe so you’ll barely know they’re there. I used pre-washed and pre-sliced mushrooms to cut down on prep time.
Red peppers: these add a sweet flavour to the recipe and help to keep things balanced.
Spices: these will add the familiar hamburger helper flavours you know and love!
Tomato paste: this helps us get a rich tomato flavour without needing to cook the recipe for a long time.
Broth: this adds a ton of flavour and also serves as the cooking liquid for the pasta.
Milk: this adds a creamier texture. I used cow’s milk but you can swap this for an unflavoured non-dairy alternative.
Egg noodles: these keep the familiar texture of hamburger helper noodles.
Corn starch: to thicken the sauce.
How to make Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add meat and onion and cook until beef is no longer pink, stirring and breaking the up meat as it cooks.
Once the meat has cooked, add the mushrooms to the pan and sauté for ~2 minutes, until they shrink slightly in volume.
Next, add peppers, tomato paste, spices and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Lastly, add corn starch, broth, milk, and noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir, then place a lid on the pan and simmer for 20-22 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken.
This Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is just like your childhood favourite, but with some added healthy upgrades.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 package sliced mushrooms
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried parsley
3 tbsp tomato paste
3 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
4 cups egg noodles
1 tbsp corn starch
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add meat and onion and cook until beef is no longer pink, stirring and breaking the up meat as it cooks.
Add the mushrooms to the pan and sauté for ~2 minutes, until they shrink slightly in volume.
Add peppers, tomato paste, spices and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add corn starch, broth, milk, and noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir, then place a lid on the pan and simmer for 20-22 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken.
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About Brittany
Hi there! I am a registered dietitian and I 💚 food! I am passionate about making it easier for busy people to eat well by sharing quick and healthy recipes. Healthy cooking at home can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I love helping people uncomplicate weeknight dinners and reduce stress around meal time, so I’m so glad you’re here!
