Introduction

This High Protein Hamburger Helper is a hearty and nutritious twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy sauce, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The addition of cottage cheese and milk gives it extra creaminess while boosting protein content.

A close-up view of a big white pot filled with a creamy orange soup. The soup has small shell pasta pieces and bits of browned meat, all mixed in a thick sauce with specks of green herbs scattered on top. A wooden spoon with a smooth handle is in the pot, partially lifted, showing the pasta and meat covered by the sauce. The pot is on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth nearby. In the background, there is a wooden board with chunks of yellow cheese and grated cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb 93/7 ground beef

10 oz Wegmans Italian Classics Organic Pipette Rigate Pasta (284 grams)

8 oz Hunt’s Tomato Sauce, Basil, Garlic & Oregano (217 grams)

1 medium carrot, cleaned and shredded (75 grams)

1 medium zucchini, trimmed and shredded (180 grams)

2 1/4 cups low sodium beef broth (18 fl oz)

1 cup fat free cottage cheese (8 fl oz)

1 cup Fairlife Skim Ultra Filtered Milk (8 fl oz)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (90 grams)

1 medium sweet onion, chopped (110 grams)

3 cloves garlic, minced (12 grams)

2 tsp olive oil, divided

3/4 tsp smoked paprika

3/4 tsp oregano

3/4 tsp ground mustard

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add shredded zucchini, shredded carrot, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender. Remove the veggies to a bowl.

Step 2: Add tomato sauce and fat free cottage cheese to the bowl with the vegetables. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a food processor or blender. Set aside the sauce.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper. Cook while breaking apart the beef until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, ground mustard, and red pepper flakes to the cooked beef. Mix well to combine the spices evenly.

Step 5: Pour in the blended vegetable and cottage cheese sauce, milk, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything, then add the pasta and mix to coat noodles with the liquid.

Step 6: Cover the skillet or pot and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 8 to 11 minutes until the pasta is very al dente. Remove from heat, knowing the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce as it sits.

Step 7: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.

Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make the dish suited for specific dietary needs.

Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onion and garlic for more vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork if preferred. Cooking times remain similar, but adjust seasoning as needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use a plant-based protein or extra vegetables. Replace beef broth with vegetable broth for flavor.

Dinner

High Protein Hamburger Helper Recipe