Description
This Easy One Pan Homemade Hamburger Helper is a delicious and comforting meal made with lean ground beef or turkey, tomato paste, pasta, and fresh vegetables like zucchini and spinach. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s a quick and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights, featuring a creamy tomato sauce and cheesy finish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup shredded zucchini
- 2 cups chopped spinach
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 1, 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 10 ounces pasta (medium shells, orecchiette, or elbow macaroni)
- 2-2 1/2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk of choice (cow’s milk or unsweetened almond or cashew milk)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey to the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the spices and tomato paste develop their flavors.
- Add Zucchini and Pasta: Stir in the shredded zucchini, then add the dry pasta directly into the pan. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
- Add Broth and Milk: Pour in 2 cups of the broth and the milk. Stir thoroughly, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Leave the pan uncovered and let it simmer for 18-23 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the broth is absorbed before the pasta is tender, add up to an additional 1/2 cup broth a little at a time to finish cooking.
- Add Spinach and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the chopped spinach until wilted. Then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, but smaller shapes like shells or elbow macaroni work best for even cooking.
- If you want it vegan, omit the cheese and use plant-based milk and broth.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding seasonings.
- This dish keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheats nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
