Healthy Hamburger Helper

One pan lightened up hamburger helper made with simple ingredients for a nostalgic, comforting protein packed dinner the whole family will love. 

Serves 6 

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1-pound lean ground turkey (93% is good)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 to 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, 2% or unsweetened almond)

8 ounces tomato sauce (1 cup)

16 ounces (1 pound) penne, pasta, or large elbows

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

For garnish:

Freshly chopped parsley or red pepper flakes

1.              Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in diced onion, garlic, ground turkey and salt and pepper; breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Next stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until tomato paste deepens in color, which will allow the flavor to bloom.

2.              Add in the chicken broth, milk, and tomato sauce to the pot; stirring until well combined. Next, stir in the pasta and bring to a slight boil; you’ll cook UNCOVERED, stirring frequently, until the pasta is nice and tender, about 10-12 minutes (depending on your pasta shape) and most of the liquid (but not all!) is absorbed. You’ll want a little bit of liquid left to make the sauce nice and creamy. Remember you don’t need to have this over a roaring boil, just a gentle boil. Also, don't forget to stir often so the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan!

3.              Remove from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar cheese and add additional salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes on top, if desired!  

To make it more nutritious: feel free to throw in shredded zucchini, sautéed chopped red bell pepper, mushrooms or a few cups of chopped spinach!

Spice it up: If you’d like you can add some red pepper flakes on top or directly into the meat mixture with the spices.