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High Protein Hamburger Helper

High Protein Hamburger Helper Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and a few grinds of black pepper, and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the beef broth, scrape up any browned bits, and stir in the tomato paste. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the macaroni, stir to submerge, cover, and simmer on medium-low for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. While the pasta cooks, blend the cottage cheese and milk until completely smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the cottage cheese mixture and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is best hot off the stove because the creamy sauce thickens as it cools. If you want a baked version, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly. Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.