What if I told you that you could enjoy a nostalgic, comforting bowl of Hamburger Helper but with a high-protein twist? This High-Protein Hamburger Helper is the perfect upgrade to the boxed classic. It’s made with lean ground beef, whole-grain pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all in one pot. Not only does it satisfy your cravings, but it’s also balanced, nutritious, and family-approved!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein: Packed with lean ground beef and a creamy, protein-rich base, this dish fuels your body while keeping you full and satisfied.
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one pot, making it a quick and easy dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Healthier Twist: No artificial flavors or preservatives here—just wholesome, real ingredients.
Here are the Main Ingredients you will Need for this Recipe:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
In a large skillet or pot add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the pasta, beef broth, almond milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the mixture has started to thicken. Next, add 1-2 tsp of cornstarch with 1-2 tsp of water in a small container and create a slurry, then mix into the skillet.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes and Modifications:
- Feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free, or high-protein pasta for a healthier or dietary preference. Macros may differ.
- You can increase the veggie content by adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet. Just be sure to sauté them with the onion and bell peppers until tender.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of light cream cheese or a small amount of Greek yogurt before stirring in the shredded cheese. This will alter macros.
Other Recipes you May Enjoy:
If you give this recipe a try, or any others I share, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations and thank you for trying them!
High-Protein Hamburger Helper
6
Servings5
minutes20
minutes306
kcal255
25
minutesTo track this recipe on My Fitness Pal, search TBB Hamburger Helper
Please note, if you modify serving size using the blog program, only the first measurement serving size will change, not the second measurement in brackets (typically cups/tbsp).
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Ingredients
450 g extra lean ground beef (1 lb)
170 g pasta of choice (1 cup, macaroni or bowtie preferred)
625 ml low-sodium beef broth (2.5 cups)
240 ml unsweetened almond milk (1 cup)
250 g diced white onion (1 and 1/4 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
185 g diced bell peppers (1 cup, any color)
1-2 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
100 g shredded reduced-fat cheese (1 cup, cheddar or mozzarella)
Directions
- In a large skillet or pot add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the pasta, beef broth, almond milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the mixture has started to thicken. Next, add 1-2 tsp of cornstarch with 1-2 tsp of water in a small container and create a slurry, then mix into the skillet.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes & Modifications
- Feel free to use whole wheat, gluten-free, or high-protein pasta for a healthier or dietary preference. Macros may differ.
- You can increase the veggie content by adding mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet. Just be sure to sauté them with the onion and bell peppers until tender.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a couple of tablespoons of light cream cheese or a small amount of Greek yogurt before stirring in the shredded cheese. This will alter macros.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 255g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 306kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28.4g
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 10.1g
- Fiber: 1.9g
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