Craving the nostalgic comfort of a boxed dinner without the sky-high sodium? This Heart Healthy Cheeseburger Macaroni is a 30-minute, one-pot wonder that delivers the savory, cheesy flavor of the classic Hamburger Helper copycat you love, but with a nutrition profile your heart will appreciate.
By using lean ground beef, sharp cheddar, and protein-packed pasta, we’ve transformed a processed staple into a high-protein powerhouse. With 26g of protein and a fraction of the salt found in store-bought versions, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, bariatric-friendly meal prep, or those following a GLP-1 diet. This recipe proves "healthy" isn't bland—the smoky paprika and rich tomato-beef broth create a creamy sauce that’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family.
If your taste buds are feeling nostalgic for this delicious copycat recipe, let them go down memory lane with more of our deliciously healthy ground beef recipes! We also have even more healthy one-pot recipes that will save you time cooking and cleaning up!
This recipe swaps processed powders and high-sodium seasonings for real ingredients and lean proteins, creating a nutrient-dense meal that supports heart health. By focusing on low-sodium broth and protein-enriched pasta, we provide the comfort of a classic pasta dish with significantly better macros.
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Each ¾ cup serving contains approximately 306 calories, making it a calorie-conscious choice for a filling dinner.
When using 93% lean beef and protein-enriched pasta like we do here, it becomes a balanced meal high in protein and lower in saturated fat.
It mimics the specific flavor profile and "one-pan" convenience of boxed Hamburger Helper but uses fresh, low-sodium ingredients.
Yes! It’s an excellent meal-prep recipe. Just be sure to add a tiny bit of liquid when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Looking for more nutrient-dense versions of your favorite classic comfort foods? These ground beef recipes, including our savory shepherd's pie and hearty lasagna soup, prioritize lean proteins and low-sodium seasonings for a heart-healthy dinner the whole family will love.
Elevate your weeknight meal prep with these healthy pasta and casserole recipes designed to maximize protein while keeping saturated fats in check. From high-protein baked ziti to veggie-packed chicken pot pie casserole, these one-pan meals offer a convenient and delicious way to stay on track with your wellness goals.
When comparing our homemade version to Hamburger Helper’s Cheeseburger Macaroni, the nutritional difference is clear. While a prepared serving of the boxed version can climb to 630mg of sodium with only minimal protein, our recipe provides a robust 26g of protein and just 174mg of sodium. By making it from scratch, you eliminate hidden preservatives and added sugars while nearly tripling the fiber content.
Here is how our Heart Healthy Cheeseburger Macaroni compares to the prepared boxed version:
*Based on Hamburger Helper’s "as prepared" estimates including lean ground beef and milk; ours still provides a significantly higher protein density per calorie.
Recipe yields 6 servings
Heat a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
Add the onion, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until the onion is beginning to soften, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the ground beef, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and the remaining ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until ground beef is fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up the meat using a wooden spoon or spatula.
Make a small well in the center of the beef mixture and add the tomato paste; stir to combine and cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the beef broth, water, milk and nutritional yeast and bring to a light boil. Add the elbow macaroni and lower heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 16 minutes, stirring occasionally, until desired doneness of pasta. Add the cheddar cheese and cook until melted. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Since this is a hearty, one-pot meal, pair it with light, fiber-forward sides. A crisp Caesar Salad with a light creamy dressing or roasted broccoli florets helps balance the richness of the cheese sauce. Sautéed green beans or a simple cucumber salad also make excellent, refreshing pairings.
Swap the lean ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken breast for an even leaner profile.
Use unsweetened almond or soy milk and a vegan cheddar alternative, increasing the nutritional yeast for extra "cheesiness."
Replace the protein macaroni with your favorite certified gluten-free elbow pasta, like Barilla Gluten Free Elbows.
Use a plant-based meat crumble and vegetable broth in place of the beef components.
If you loved the creamy, comforting flavors of this cheeseburger macaroni, you will thoroughly enjoy these other wholesome and cheesy pasta dishes. These recipes focus on using clever low-sodium swaps and lean proteins to deliver that signature velvety texture without the extra saturated fat.