Description

This Healthy Hamburger Helper recipe is a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food, made with lean ground turkey, a blend of aromatic spices, and a creamy tomato-based sauce. It’s a one-pot meal that combines pasta, cheese, and flavorful ingredients for a quick, nutritious dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to customize with additional veggies and spices, it serves 4-6 people and delivers a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean)
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, 2%, or unsweetened almond/cashew milk)
8 ounces tomato sauce (1 cup)
16 ounces (1 pound) pipe rigate pasta or shellbows
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (such as Cabot)

For Garnish

Freshly chopped parsley
Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the aromatics and turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, ground turkey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until the turkey is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until the tomato paste deepens in color and the flavors bloom.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, milk of choice, and tomato sauce; stir to combine thoroughly. Next, add the pipe rigate or shellbow pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed but some remains for a creamy sauce, about 10 to 12 minutes depending on pasta shape.
Finish with cheese and seasonings: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Notes

To boost nutrition, add shredded zucchini, sautéed red bell pepper, mushrooms, or chopped spinach for hidden veggies that kids won’t notice.
To spice it up, incorporate red pepper flakes directly into the turkey mixture or sprinkle over the finished dish.
Preferred pasta shapes are pipe rigate, shells, or large elbow noodles to best capture the creamy sauce coating.
Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
For a dairy-free option, use almond or cashew milk and omit or substitute cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/5 of recipe)
Calories: 370
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 65mg