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ONE PAN LIGHTENED UP HAMBURGER HELPER

This one-pan, lighter take on Hamburger Helper is ultra-creamy, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick, comforting family dinner. Made with simple ingredients in just 30 minutes, this homemade version delivers all the nostalgia without the extra additives. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or a kick of spice!

INGREDIENTS

For the pasta:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% works well)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk of choice (whole, 2%, or unsweetened almond/cashew)
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 cup)
  • 10 ounces pipe rigate, shellbows, or large elbow pasta
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Cabot recommended)
  • Additional salt and pepper, to taste

For garnish:

  • Freshly chopped parsley
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then stir in diced onion, garlic, and ground turkey. Season with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Pour in chicken broth, milk, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Stir in pasta, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. A little liquid should remain to keep the sauce creamy.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

RECIPE NOTES

  • Boost the nutrition: Add shredded zucchini, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or chopped spinach—kids won’t even notice!
  • Make it spicier: Mix red pepper flakes directly into the meat while cooking or sprinkle on top before serving.
  • Best pasta choices: Pipe rigate, shells, or large elbow noodles work best for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

  • Calories: 446 kcal
  • Carbs: 41.7g
  • Protein: 25.5g
  • Fat: 20.3g
  • Saturated Fat: 6.7g
  • Fiber: 2.7g
  • Sugar: 3.3g

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT M&M COOKIES

Learn how to bake the ultimate M&M cookies! These chocolate chip cookies are truly the best, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you!

EQUIPMENT

  • Oven
  • Cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cookie scoop
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing spoons

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (Gold Medal recommended)
  • 3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups mini M&M’s

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • Fold in Mix-ins: Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips and mini M&M’s.
  • Scoop & Bake: Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and set.
  • Cool & Enjoy: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy!

NUTRITION (PER COOKIE)

  • Calories: 81 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 7mg
  • Sodium: 91mg
  • Potassium: 11mg
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Vitamin A: 25 IU
  • Calcium: 11mg
  • Iron: 0.3mg