High Protein Hamburger Helper

High Protein Hamburger Helper

from Maddie 🥐🫐
A healthier, high-protein take on classic hamburger helper, this recipe swaps heavy cream for blended cottage cheese, reduces shredded cheese, and incorporates protein pasta and bone broth. It's so good, you'll prefer it over the boxed version!

Ingredients

  • hamburger meat
    1 lb
  • onion
    1 small
  • tomato paste
    4 tbsp
  • protein pasta
    3 c
  • bone broth
    3 c
  • sharp cheddar cheese
    4 oz
  • blended cottage cheese
    ¾ c
  • chili powder
    1 tbsp
  • Italian seasoning
    1 tbsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tbsp
  • tomato bouillon
    1 tbsp
  • s

    p garlic blend

    ½ tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Start by browning 1 lb of hamburger meat (like 93/7) in a pan.

  2. 2

    Once the meat is cooked, add in 1 small chopped onion and cook for a couple minutes until it's translucent.

  3. 3

    Stir in the seasonings (1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon tomato bouillon, and 1/2 tablespoon s,p garlic blend) and 4 tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing well.

  4. 4

    Add 3 cups of protein pasta and 3 cups of bone broth to the pan.

  5. 5

    Place a lid on the pan and cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. You may need to add a little more broth if the mixture starts to get dry.

  6. 6

    In a separate bowl, blend 3/4 cup of cottage cheese with a splash or a couple of tablespoons of bone broth to make it smoother.

  7. 7

    Add the 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the blended cottage cheese mixture to the pan, and mix until everything is incorporated.

  8. 8

    Serve and enjoy! This meal is perfect for meal prep and is even better reheated.

High Protein Hamburger Helper

High Protein Hamburger Helper

20 min

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About this Recipe

Say Goodbye to the Box: Your New Favorite High Protein Hamburger Helper!

Craving that nostalgic comfort of classic hamburger helper but looking for a healthier, more protein-packed option? Look no further! This High Protein Hamburger Helper recipe is a game-changer, taking a beloved quick dinner and elevating it with smarter ingredients and incredible flavor. It’s so good, you’ll honestly prefer it over any boxed version you’ve ever tried.

What makes this one-pot meal truly special is its ingenious swaps. We ditch the heavy cream for creamy, blended cottage cheese, delivering a significant protein boost without sacrificing texture. Coupled with protein pasta and nutrient-rich bone broth, every spoonful is packed with goodness designed to keep you feeling full and satisfied. We also reduce the shredded cheese, focusing on robust flavor from tomato paste, chili powder, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, rather than relying solely on cheese for taste.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on nutrition or taste. It's a fantastic high protein meal that the whole family will love!

Tips & Variations:

  • Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your taste, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
  • Add Veggies: Easily incorporate chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is excellent, feel free to experiment with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

Serve this hearty High Protein Hamburger Helper with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal. It's truly one of the best high protein recipes you'll add to your rotation!

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