One-Pot Hamburger Helper
Jump to recipeHave a family with picky eaters? This One Pot Hamburger helper is an easy and quick family dinner that everyone will love! A bowl filled with cheesy macaroni and chunks of meat that tastes better than the box version? Yes please!
I love creating recipes that are specifically for children. It can be hard to make a meal they like and a parent getting tired of eating the same thing multiple times in a week. As I grew up and hear the stories of parents, there is one dish that children won’t say no to and I can agree: macaroni and cheese.
Children go crazy for it!
I remember as a child that my Dad loved making those boxed hamburger helper meals and as a children, my sisters and I loved eating it. Sometimes he would get hamburger helper, sometimes he would just add cooked meat into boxed macaroni and cheese. Do other Dad’s do that?
I completely forgot those helper meals existed until a few months ago. I loved it as a kid but there can be a lot of sugar and sodium added. I am very aware of the amount of sodium and sugar add into boxed meals and that is one big reason why I like making my own versions at home.
Because I can control the salt intake. I want my household to enjoy a meal but in a healthier approached. This dish is not crazy healthy but still in that direction. And it tastes just like the boxed version!
I really hope you enjoy this! So, try this out and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I would love to see your creation!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. macaroni
- 2 lbs. ground turkey
- 1 Tbl. oil
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 stick butter
- 4 Tbl. flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tbl. Parsley, chopped
- Salt + Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat with the garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground meat and cook until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Season with the garlic powder, onion powder and salt + pepper to taste. Drain the oil and take the meat out of the pan. Set aside.
- Add the butter to the pan and melt. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and continue to whisk for about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and the uncooked macaroni. Bring to a low boil. Continue to cook until pasta is al dente.
- Mix in the ricotta, cheddar cheese and parsley. Season with salt + pepper.
- Add the meat back into the pot and mix until well combined.
- Serve.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. macaroni
- 2 lbs. ground turkey
- 1 Tbl. oil
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 stick butter
- 4 Tbl. flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 Tbl. Parsley, chopped
- Salt + Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat with the garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the ground meat and cook until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Season with the garlic powder, onion powder and salt + pepper to taste. Drain the oil and take the meat out of the pan. Set aside.
- Add the butter to the pan and melt. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and continue to whisk for about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and the uncooked macaroni. Bring to a low boil. Continue to cook until pasta is al dente.
- Mix in the ricotta, cheddar cheese and parsley. Season with salt + pepper.
- Add the meat back into the pot and mix until well combined.
- Serve.
About Nicole
Hey There! My name is Nicole Johnston and I have been making food for as long as I can remember. From a little girl cooking with her grandmother to making new dishes and using her husband as a taste tester.
