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Who said comfort food can’t be healthy? Hamburger Helper has long been a staple for busy weeknights, but let’s face it – we all know that it can be a bit heavy on the not-so-great ingredients. Fear not! With a few tweaks and a sprinkle of kitchen magic, we can give this nostalgic dish a major health overhaul while keeping that ooey-gooey goodness intact.

So there you have it – a healthified take on a classic that will make your tastebuds dance and your waistline rejoice. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a cozy dinner, this Healthified Hamburger Helper is sure to become a new favorite in your home. Dig in and enjoy guilt-free!

Why This Recipe Rocks:

Packed with Protein: Lean meats and added spinach give you protein power to fuel your day.
Quick & Easy: Using a box and adding veggies and healthier options to it means less time and more nutrients.
Sneaky Veggies: Spinach adds nutrients without overwhelming the classic taste.
Lower in Fat: Using reduced-fat dairy alternatives balances the creamy texture without all the calories.

Healthified Hamburger Helper

Yield: 4

Author: The Skinny Fork (Amanda Plott)

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 20 Min

With a few tweaks and a sprinkle of kitchen magic, we can give this nostalgic dish a major health overhaul while keeping that ooey-gooey goodness intact.

Ingredients

1 Lb. Extra Lean Ground Beef
1 Zucchini, Grated
5 Oz. Cherry Tomatoes
1 (5.5 Oz.) Box Hamburger Helper Deluxe Cheeseburger Macaroni
1 (8 Oz.) Can Tomato Sauce
2 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk
1/4 C. Water
3 C. Fresh Baby Spinach
Optional Garnish: Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Instructions

Brown the Meat: Add the 1 Lb. Extra Lean Ground Beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula, cooking until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the 1 Zucchini, Grated and 5 Oz. Cherry Tomatoes for a couple of minutes.
Pasta Time: Stir in the 1 (5.5 Oz.) Box Hamburger Helper Deluxe Cheeseburger Macaroni, 1 (8 Oz.) Can Tomato Sauce, 1 1/2 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk, and 1/4 C. Water along with a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Bring it to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Cheese It Up: Finally, sprinkle on the shredded Cheddar cheese if desired. Stir until it melts and creates a creamy, dreamy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish it out into bowls, add a few extra herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick, and enjoy your healthified Hamburger Helper with no guilt!

Recommended Products

Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni

Amazon Fresh, Tomato Sauce, No Salt Added, 8 Oz.

Amazon Fresh Brand, Original Unsweetened Almondmilk

Nutrition Facts

Calories

394

Fat (grams)

11 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

4 g

Carbs (grams)

41 g

Fiber (grams)

5 g

Net carbs

36 g

Sugar (grams)

11 g

Protein (grams)

34 g

Sodium (milligrams)

2064 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

78 mg

Nutritional Claims: Egg Free • Peanut Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free •Alcohol Free • B Healthy