One Pan High Protein Hamburger Helper
I’m always looking for new easy dinner recipes to add into the rotation and this One Pan High Protein Hamburger Helper is a new favorite! It’s packed with protein and made with simple ingredients too. It comes together all in one pan which makes it even easier to throw together when you need something quick and easy.
If you’re craving a nostalgic comfort meal with a healthier twist, this One Pan High Protein Hamburger Helper is about to become a new weeknight favorite. It has everything you love about the classic—savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce—but it’s made with simple ingredients and packed with protein to help keep you full and satisfied. Best of all, everything comes together in a single pan, making cleanup just as easy as dinner.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep since it reheats beautifully throughout the week. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or looking for easy lunches to have on hand, this homemade version delivers all the cozy flavors of the original without relying on a boxed mix. Serve it with your favorite vegetable or a simple side salad for a balanced meal that’s sure to be on repeat.
What you need for One Pan High Protein Hamburger Helper:
- Cottage Cheese
- Milk
- Olive Oil
- White or Yellow Onion
- Ground Beef (I used lean 93/7 ground beef)
- Minced Garlic (approximately 3 garlic cloves)
- Tomato Sauce
- Dried Oregano
- Salt
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable Broth
- 12 oz. Short Pasta (elbow, cavatappi, penne, or other short noodles will work)
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 (15 oz.) Can of White Beans
How to make this hamburger helper:
- Add the cottage cheese and milk to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is heated, add the beef and onion and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and spices to the cooked meat and onion and mix to combine.
- Add the broth and blended cottage cheese mixture to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and stir continuously while cooking to prevent sticking. Cook for 8 – 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- After the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and add the cheese and white beans if using and stir to combine. Serve with your preferred garnish or as desired.
How to store your leftovers:
It’s best to store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. I like using these!
If you want to switch it up, try doing this instead:
- Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead!
- Try it with your favorite short noodle pasta
- Top it with sour cream, greek yogurt or fresh herbs!
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy these on One Balanced Life:
FAQs:
I like using a protein pasta (I use this one!) and would recommend not using a chickpea based pasta for the sake of cooking times varying. Any short noodle pasta like elbow, cavatappi,
No, you can sub this for ground turkey or ground chicken as well.
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One Pan High Protein Hamburger Helper
This One Pan High Protein Hamburger Helper is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and made with simple ingredients. So nourishing and comforting too!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Cottage Cheese
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 White or Yellow Onion, small diced
- 1 lb. Ground Beef (I used lean 93/7 ground beef)
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic (approximately 3 garlic cloves)
- 4 oz. Tomato Sauce
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Dried Oregano
- 1 ½ Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika or Smoked Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Chili Powder
- 32 oz. Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable Broth (approximately 4 cups)
- 12 oz. Short Pasta (elbow, cavatappi, penne, or other short noodles will work)
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 (15 oz.) Can of White Beans, drained and rinsed (optional; I used great northern beans)
- optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, parsley
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese and milk to a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is heated, add the beef and onion and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce and spices to the cooked meat and onion and mix to combine.
- Add the broth and blended cottage cheese mixture to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and stir continuously while cooking to prevent sticking. Cook for 8 - 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.
- After the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and add the cheese and white beans if using and stir to combine. Serve with your preferred garnish or as desired.
Notes
(You can reduce your heat to medium-high if needed to prevent too much splashing or bubbling while the pasta cooks.)
(Check the package instructions on the pasta for the ideal cook time. Some pasta will take longer than others depending on the type you use.)
