Toss that packaged Hamburger Helper full of processed, unhealthy ingredients and prepare this easy-to-make healthy hamburger helper – a hearty, rich meal that you can actually feel good about feeding the family.
Long gone are the days when Hamburger Helper was a preferred meal of the family. My mother was an excellent cook – still is, but like any busy mom she would resort to those quick-fix meals, ones that she knew my brother and I were sure to eat. Hamburger Helper was one of those meals, and we loved it. Nowadays? I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole, nor would I feed it to my kids. Over the years I’ve become more aware of the horrible additives and chemicals that are added to packaged foods, and I’ve also learned how unbelievably easy it is to follow a clean eating lifestyle. Consequently, I couldn’t fathom serving that processed junk to my kids. And they’re none the wiser. They’ve never tasted Hamburger Helper, that is, the processed one. This healthy hamburger healthy has quickly become one of the favourite meals and it makes an appearance on my recipe rotation at least a few times a month.
This one-pot meal is made with real ingredients, which means you can spare yourself the MSG, trans fat, and chemical laden food dyes when preparing it. All you need to prepare this hamburger helper is milk, cheese, flour, water, spices, pasta shells, and salt. That’s all folks. Simply gather these fridge and pantry staples, set aside about 20 minutes, and you have one of the creamiest, richest, pasta dishes that your kids will love. There a few different variations that you can make with this recipe to suit a variety of dietary restrictions. For example, you can substitute gluten free pasta and arrowroot powder for the pasta shells and flour, add a pant-based milk, or even swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh. Either way you prepare it, in my opinion, it’s so much tastier, and of course healthier than the ‘real’ thing!
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
I have never heard of hamburger helper before but I think they are just called by a different name from where I am. I am definitely trying out this recipe real soon as it looks really delicious and healthy, too!
This looks like an amazing meal! I love that it’s one that the whole family will love too – that’s the most important part! I’m always looking to try new recipes so this one definitely needs to go on my list. I’m in LOVE with parmesan cheese too – can’t get enough haha!
A family staple in our house. YUM!! I will have to try it this way. Iknow that the ones we make are not that great for our health. thanks for the great recipe.
I gre up on Hamburger Helper (the not so healthy version) and it’s great to know I can give my Kiddies healthier choices!
This sounds really tasty. The original hamburger helper sounds a little scary with all that processing, it’s great that it;s so easy to make a natural and healthy alternative.
I cannot believe we used to eat that stuff!
I love one pot meals because I hate doing dishes. This recipe looks healthy and delicious! I think my toddler might like this
My daughter is not a big fan of meat, but she devoured this, and ask for seconds!
You had me at healthy! Honestly, even making these dishes from scratch are not that difficult. I find them easier really. Great that you are sharing these good wholesome recipes!
They’re not difficult at all! And it’s worth it to know you’re feeding your family healthy, real foods!
I am actually totally willing to try this out! I am always on the lookout for dinner recipes and I grew up eating Hamburger Helper. And yes for all that parmesan! One of my favorite cheeses.
I always add a ton of Parm in my recipes – it helps me reduce the additional sodium (because I do eat too much salt!).