Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with a mouthwatering, healthier twist on a classic comfort food? Our Homemade Lightened Up Hamburger Helper is about to become your new go-to meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal guilt. Packed with lean protein, whole wheat pasta, and a perfect blend of savory seasonings, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing taste. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing meal that will have your family asking for seconds – without the processed ingredients of the boxed version!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup whole wheat pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all ingredients comfortably.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spatula or cooking utensil. Cook the beef until it is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef using a colander to reduce overall calorie content and improve dish healthiness.
- Return the skillet to the stovetop and reduce heat to medium. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the browned beef, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine with the seasoned meat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the whole wheat pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a small amount of additional beef broth.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, portioning into four equal servings. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of low-fat cheese if desired.
Tips
- • Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to keep the dish lower in fat while maintaining delicious flavor • Don't skip draining the beef fat – this simple step significantly reduces calories • Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking • For extra nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers or spinach to the mixture • If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more beef broth to achieve your desired consistency • For a gluten-free version, substitute whole wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken • Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for a personalized touch
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 263kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
