Quick and Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper

While I’m away on vacation, I want to fully savor my time! Which means I want to eat healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, rental apartments have fully equipped kitchens but minimal pantry staples.

I solve the first problem with simple meals that only require fresh ingredients. The second issue is resolved by always traveling with a multipurpose spice, such as Italian herbs or cajun seasoning.

One of my go-to travel meals is this fifteen minute homemade Hamburger Helper dish. Quick, simple, affordable, and filling—just the kind of dinner you want during vacation.

I boil pasta in one pot while I cook the meat in a skillet (topped with the seasoning I brought along). 

Once the meat is finished, I add grape tomatoes and let the skillet simmer until the pasta is done. The fresh tomato flavor combined with it’s natural juices is a perfect combo with the meat!

Sometimes I add sauteed onion, bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra veggies. And many times we top our bowls with mozzarella cheese (because we love cheese!). But these are optional add-ons which only enhance this already tasty meal.

Next time you need a last-minute weeknight meal, or a 3-ingredient dish to cook on vacation, try this Quick and Easy Homemade Hamburger Helper!

Quick and Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Quick and Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Skip the pre-packaged food and make your own version of Hamburger Helper in only 15 minutes! Fast, easy, and healthy!

Cook Time: 20 minutes 15 seconds
Total Time: 20 minutes 15 seconds

Ingredients

For the meal

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1 pint of grape tomatoes 
  • 2-3 cups of pasta
  • Optional: onion, bell peppers, corn, zucchini

For the seasoning

  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ Tbsp oregano
  • ½ Tbsp basil

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta according to the package directions.
  2. Combine the ground beef with the herbs, and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  3. Slice the grape tomatoes in half and add to the skillet after the beef is fully cooked. Simmer on medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cooked pasta before serving.
  5. Optional: add steamed corn, diced bell peppers, and shredded mozzarella cheese if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 667Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 101mgSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 72gFiber: 6gSugar: 7gProtein: 44g

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