Description

This healthier homemade one-pot hamburger helper is a delicious and comforting meal made with lean ground beef, plentiful vegetables, and whole ingredients. It’s easy to prepare with minimal cleanup, featuring short cut pasta cooked alongside grated zucchini for added nutrition. The dish is flavored with chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, then enriched with low sodium beef broth, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy, satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 zucchini, grated (about 1 cup grated)

Spices and Seasonings

Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon ketchup

Main Ingredients

1 pound short cut pasta
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 1/2 cups milk (use your preferred type)
1 1/2-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley, for serving

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Instructions

Brown the beef and cook onion: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and lean ground beef. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat as you go, until the beef is browned all over and the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add spices: Stir in the chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for another minute to release the flavors.
Add pasta and zucchini: Add the short cut pasta and grated zucchini into the pot. Toss everything to coat evenly with the spices and meat mixture.
Pour in liquids and ketchup: Pour in the low sodium beef broth and milk. Add the tablespoon of ketchup and stir well to combine. Season with additional salt if needed.
Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Stir in cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, nutritious meal!

Notes

Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content while maintaining flavor.
Grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrients without overpowering the dish.
Low sodium beef broth helps to control salt levels in the meal.
Feel free to substitute milk with any dairy or non-dairy milk you prefer.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 65mg