High-Protein Hamburger Helper Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Hamburger Helper is a hearty and satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef, protein-rich pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, it delivers comforting flavors with a nutritious twist.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 lb. ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth
• 8 oz. high-protein elbow pasta (such as Barilla)
• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• Thinly sliced chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until the onion is evenly coated, about 1 minute. Continue cooking, stirring, until the tomato paste deepens to a slightly darker red, about 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef, chili powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7 minutes. Pour in the beef bone broth and increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Step 3: Once boiling, add the high-protein elbow pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Greek yogurt until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with thinly sliced chives if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Swap the elbow pasta for chickpea or lentil pasta for even more protein and fiber.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the chili powder.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute meat with cooked lentils and use vegetable broth.
• Greek yogurt adds creaminess without excess fat; you can substitute with sour cream if preferred.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish does not freeze well because the pasta texture changes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shape like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since pasta shapes absorb liquid differently.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang while boosting protein, but you can use sour cream or heavy cream as alternatives depending on your preference.

High-Protein Hamburger Helper Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 95 reviews

This High-Protein Hamburger Helper is a comforting, protein-packed twist on the classic pantry favorite. Ground beef is simmered with spices, tomato paste, and beef bone broth, then combined with high-protein elbow pasta and rich sharp cheddar cheese. Finished with creamy Greek yogurt and fresh chives, this hearty skillet meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 1 lb. ground beef (preferably 90% lean)
• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar
• 1/2 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt

Produce

• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• Thinly sliced chives, for garnish (optional)

Pantry

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 3 1/2 cups low-sodium beef bone broth
• 8 oz. high-protein elbow pasta (such as Barilla)

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions and Tomato Paste: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly to coat the onions, until the paste darkens slightly in color, around 2 to 3 minutes total.
2. Cook Ground Beef and Season: Add the ground beef to the skillet along with the chili powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Using a wooden spoon, break up the beef and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 7 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Pasta and Simmer: Pour in the low-sodium beef bone broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the high-protein elbow pasta and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente), about 10 to 12 minutes.
4. Finish with Cheese and Yogurt: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and whole-milk Greek yogurt until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top with thinly sliced chives, if desired, for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve hot for a nutritious and filling meal.

Notes

• Using 90% lean ground beef helps keep the dish flavorful but lower in fat.
• Be sure to stir the tomato paste thoroughly to avoid burning and develop a deep, rich flavor.
• High-protein pasta increases the dish’s protein content, making it more satiating.
• Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein while reducing the need for extra cheese or sour cream.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when cooking the beef.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: high-protein, skillet meal, ground beef, pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, healthy hamburger helper