Veggie-Loaded Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This Veggie-Loaded Hamburger Helper is a hearty, one-pot meal that brings together ground beef, pasta, and plenty of vegetables for a comforting and satisfying dinner. It’s quick to make and full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 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
• 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (or substitute 1 cup defrosted frozen spinach)
• 8-10 ounces elbow macaroni or other small-shaped pasta (use gluten free for a gluten free option)
• 3 cups broth
• ¾ cup plain yogurt (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or high-sided skillet. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef, breaking it up into small crumbles. Cook until browned. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to develop the flavors.
3. Step 3: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, baby spinach, pasta, then pour in the broth. Cover 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 cooked, add an additional ½ cup of broth or water.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and stir in the yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese. The sauce will thicken as the pasta absorbs more liquid. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Serve warm and enjoy your veggie-loaded one pot meal.

Tips & Variations

• For added veggies, try mixing in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions and carrots.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Swap cheddar for a different cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist on flavor.
• To make it dairy-free, omit the yogurt and cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small-shaped pasta works well for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version that still delivers plenty of protein and flavor.

Veggie-Loaded Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4.4 from 66 reviews

This Veggie-Loaded Hamburger Helper is a delicious, one-pot meal that combines lean ground beef, nutritious vegetables, and tender pasta all cooked together in a savory broth. Enhanced with spices, tomato paste, and finished with creamy yogurt and sharp cheddar cheese, this hearty dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, grated or finely chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 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
• 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (or substitute 1 cup defrosted frozen spinach)
• 8–10 ounces elbow macaroni or other small-shaped pasta (gluten-free option if desired)
• 3 cups broth (beef or vegetable broth recommended)
• ¾ cup plain yogurt (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat vegetables: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or high-sided skillet. Add the chopped onion and grated carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Cook ground beef and season: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika. Add the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to develop flavor. Then mix in Worcestershire sauce, spinach, pasta, and pour in the broth.
3. Simmer pasta: Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender, approximately 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. If the liquid evaporates before pasta is fully cooked, add an additional ½ cup broth or water as needed.
4. Finish dish: Remove the lid, then stir in the plain yogurt and shredded cheddar cheese. The pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so it’s normal for the sauce to seem plentiful. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if necessary.
5. Serve warm: Dish out the veggie-loaded Hamburger Helper and enjoy warm.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
• Substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; thaw and drain excess water before using.
• Whole milk or 2% plain yogurt works best for creaminess, but Greek yogurt can also be used for extra protein.
• Adjust the level of chili powder to your spice preference.
• To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and adjust salt accordingly.

Keywords: one pot dinner, hamburger helper, ground beef recipe, quick dinner, veggie-loaded, family meal, easy weeknight meal