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High Protein Hamburger Helper

This High Protein Hamburger Helper is a comforting and nutritious meal, combining lean ground beef, whole wheat pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb 90% lean ground beef For a hearty meal with less fat
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese For a creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Adds creaminess and protein
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta For added fiber
  • 2 cups beef broth Base for cooking the pasta
Spices
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until browned and no longer pink—about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices toast with the beef for about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the whole wheat pasta, stirring to submerge it. Cover and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese while the pasta is still hot so it melts into a creamy sauce.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top.
  6. Serve warm. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing for up to 3 months, but add broth when reheating to retain creaminess.
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