Healthy High-Protein Hamburger Helper

A blue pot filled with creamy, saucy pasta mixed with ground meat and garnished with chopped parsley. Fresh parsley is visible in the background.

5 from 5 votes

Healthy High-Protein Hamburger Helper

With pantry staple ingredients and all in one pot, this healthy high-protein hamburger helper packs a flavorful and protein punch. Gone are the days of tasteless boxed Hamburger Helper, thanks to the acid from a splash of Worcestershire sauce. And the protein and fiber in this? It comes from bone broth and white beans blended into a creamy and dreamy sauce!

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 612kcal

Author: Mika Kinney

Equipment

1 dutch oven

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or bison
2 cloves garlic minced
1 white onion diced
2 carrots large, diced
2 celery stalks diced
1 cup white cheddar shredded
½ cup parmesan shredded
4 sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoon tomato paste
4 cups bone broth
15 oz white beans
6 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 oz pasta
1 cup milk may only need a ½ cup

Spices

½ teaspoon salt and pepper each
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon chili powder

Instructions

Before you start, take a minute to read through this recipe, then premeasure and chop everything. Then place it in the order you will use it on your counter. This is really imporant for one pot meals because they move quick!
This includes chopping all the vegetables and blending together 4 sun-dried tomatoes, 2 of the 4 cups bone broth, and 15 oz white beans (drained). Blend well until you can't tell there are beans in the sauce.
In a Dutch oven or large pot, partially brown 1 lb ground beef or bison (about 5 minutes, until mostly brown). Drain any excess grease.
To the pot add 1 white onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks, and stir and cook until the beef is done cooking (another 5 minutes). Then, add in the spices: 2 cloves garlic, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne (can omit if you don't like spice), 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 3 tbsps of the 6 tablespoon Worcestershire sauceand 2 tablespoon tomato paste. Stir to coat and saute until the garlic is softened and fragrant. About 1-2 minutes.
Add the blended bean and bone broth mixture to the pan with the veggies. Stir to combine, then add the 12 oz pasta and top with the remaining 2 cups of bone broth. We want to make sure the pasta is mostly covered so give everything a good stir, press the pasta down into the sauce, then bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover.
Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to al dente (soft but still has a bite to it). Be sure to stir halfway through for even cooking.
While the pasta cooks, shred the cheese and measure out your milk. Add 1 cup white cheddar, ½ cup parmesan, and 1 cup milk (as needed). I usually only add the milk if my hamburger helper isn't very saucy. This will depend on the type of pasta you use.
For example, a gluten-free pasta will absorb more liquid, so you might need to add a full cup of milk. Otherwise, I usually just add a half cup.
Finally, finish it with the remaining 3 tablespoon of 6 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine. This last bit of acid is key to the best flavor!!

Video

Notes

Storage: Ok, hamburger helper can become quite sticky with time in the fridge so here's the key to reheating. This makes really great meal prep this way too!

Fridge: Store for up to 5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Freezer: Portion into small freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Either let them thaw overnight in the fridge first, or pop them in a pot of boiling water to thaw.
Reheating: Here's the key! When reheating the pasta in the microwave, add a splash of bone broth. Stir and mix until creamy after it has warmed through, then add a splash of Worcestershire sauce right before eating. Stir that in, and then enjoy!

Nutrition