Old Recipes Made New

We’re taking on a familiar favorite and remaking it as a slightly healthier—and still tasty—version.

When I moved into my first apartment, I’m a little ashamed at how big a role Hamburger Helper meals played in my weekly rotation. I was in grad school and life was busy—and meal kits like this were cheap, easy and quick! 

But in the last few years, I’ve been trying to eat fewer processed foods and watch ingredients like sodium—so while Hamburger Helper is tasty, it’s not a big part of my diet anymore. But one day a few winters ago, I found myself craving “Cheeseburger Macaroni” and nothing would do but to figure out how to make a homemade version. 

Turns out, I’m not the only one! There are a ton of “Homemade Hamburger Helper” recipes out there, but mine is based off Lauren’s at Lauren’s Latest. I’ve attempted to make my version just a smidge healthier with lower fat milk, low sodium products whenever possible and protein-infused pasta, but you’re welcome to use regular, gluten-free or veggie-based pastas. 

The cast of characters

Ingredients for Homemade Hamburger Helper

• 1 tbsp oil (I use olive or avocado) 

• 1 lb. ground turkey

• 1/12 cups onion, diced finely

• 1 lb. pasta (I used Barilla Protein+ cellentani) 

• 3 cups low sodium beef broth

• 8 ounce tomato sauce

• 1 cup milk (I used 2% Fairlife) 

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp ground mustard

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste) 

• ½ teaspoon black pepper (I generally add more) 

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• ¾ cup milk (Lauren’s recipe calls for heavy cream or half and half, but I just use a lower calorie milk) 

Directions for Homemade Hamburger Helper

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Brown the ground turkey and onions, breaking apart and stirring frequently. Drain if needed. 

2. When turkey is cooked through, add pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce and 1 cup milk. 

3. Add in spices, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper. Stir well and cover. When it boils, reduce heat so that it’s simmering. Stir often. 

4. When noodles are cooked through and tender and the sauce is mostly absorbed, add in grated cheddar cheese and additional milk or heavy cream. Stir until cheese melts. 

5. Taste and season as needed. 

6. Serve alongside salad and enjoy!