Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe
A wholesome and flavorful Veggie-Loaded Homemade Hamburger Helper combining lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender elbow macaroni in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables & Meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped or 1 cup defrosted frozen spinach
Spices & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Other Ingredients
- 8-10 ounces elbow macaroni or other small-shaped pasta (gluten free option available)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
- ¾ cup plain yogurt (whole milk or 2% recommended)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or high-sided skillet. Add chopped onion and grated carrot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add lean ground beef to the pot, breaking it up into small crumbles. Cook until browned thoroughly.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Stir in kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. Mix in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to develop deeper flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, spinach, pasta, and then pour in the broth.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. If the liquid evaporates before the pasta is done, add an additional ½ cup of broth or water.
- Add Dairy: Remove the lid and stir in the plain yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined and creamy.
- Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for a comforting, veggie-packed meal.
Notes
- Cook time will vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
- For a gluten free version, use gluten free pasta.
- You can substitute frozen spinach if fresh is not available.
- Using yogurt adds creaminess with less fat than heavy cream.
- Stir regularly during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
