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Healthy Hamburger Helper Recipe

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4.2 from 65 reviews

This Healthy Hamburger Helper is a nutritious twist on the classic comfort food, combining lean ground beef with fiber-rich butter beans and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. With a blend of spices and sharp cheddar cheese, this one-pot meal offers a satisfying, hearty dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

For Serving

  • Finely chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to become fragrant.
  4. Add Butter Beans and Broth: Drain and rinse the butter beans and add them to the skillet. Pour in the low-sodium beef broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
  6. Stir in Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture throughout the dish.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the Healthy Hamburger Helper into bowls or plates, and garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños along with the chili powder.
  • The butter beans add fiber and protein while keeping the dish creamy and hearty.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/healthy-hamburger-helper-recipe/