Swapping out the boxed stuff and making this childhood special...but homemade and healthier!
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT20M
Total time: PT30M
Rating
4.56 stars (2581 reviews)
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 pound short cut pasta
1 zucchini, grated ((about 1 cup grated))
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 1/2 cups milk ((use what you drink))
1 1/2-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon ketchup
fresh parsley, for serving
Steps
1. In a large pot set over medium hight heat, add the olive oil, onion and beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, cook another minute.2. Add the pasta and zucchini and toss to coat, then pour in the broth and milk. Add the ketchup and stir to combine. Season with salt. 3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium high heat. Simmer 5-8 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often. 4. Stir in the cheese and cook another few minutes until very creamy. 5. Divide the pasta among bowls and top with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 675 kcal
Reviews
Noelle on 2026-11-07 (5 stars): Made this tonight and the whole family enjoyed it which is a huge win for me with a 4 and 6 year old. A few tweaks, I cut the pasta and liquid in half, and then a slight reduction on chili powder for the littles spice level. I use Brami pasta and have learned it works better to cook it separately then add after the liquid reduces. Turned out great! Thank you!
Jocelyn on 2026-11-02 (5 stars): Go to favorite for our family!
Savannah on 2026-10-28 (5 stars): This is such a good recipe for hamburger helper from a box! My kids completely smash it and they usually don’t touch ground beef or zucchini dishes! We do 3/4th of milk and 1/4th heavy whipping cream per preference. Sometimes I feel like it needs more liquid to help the noodles cook so I just add a splash more broth but cooking it on low/simmer helps the noodles cook perfectly when added at the time stated.
SteF on 2026-10-18 (5 stars): I made this for dinner tonight. My husband and kids thoroughly enjoyed it 😊
ISLA on 2026-10-13 (5 stars): It looks delicious
Amber Anastasi on 2026-10-07 (5 stars): This is my idea of a perfect fall dinner. What pasta is featured in the photo? The zucchini was a brilliant addition.
