Description
A nutritious twist on the classic Hamburger Helper, packed with protein and fresh vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Ground Beef (or turkey)
- 8 oz Pasta (Pipette Rigate, whole grain, or gluten-free)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (Marinara or homemade)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (Vegetable broth for vegetarian options)
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (or ricotta)
- 1/2 cup Skim Milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1 medium Carrot (or additional zucchini)
- 1 medium Zucchini (or yellow squash)
- 1 medium Sweet Onion (or yellow onion)
- 2 cloves Garlic (or garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- Spices: Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Ground Mustard, Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and carrot, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, oregano, ground mustard, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then bring it to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the pot, stirring well to combine with the sauce. Cover and cook according to the pasta package instructions.
- Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat and stir in the cottage cheese, skim milk, and zucchini. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and fold in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace beef with mushrooms or lentils. Adjust seasoning to taste as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Hamburger Helper, High Protein, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal