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One Pot Hamburger Helper with Zucchini and Cheese

One Pot Hamburger Helper with Zucchini and Cheese

One Pot Hamburger Helper with Zucchini and Cheese is a comforting and easy-to-make all-in-one dish that combines savory ground beef, tender zucchini, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese. This hearty, nutritious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, featuring minimal cleanup and budget-friendly ingredients with customizable options to suit various tastes and dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Dairy

  • 2 cups dry elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk)

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
  2. Add Zucchini and Pasta: Stir in the chopped zucchini pieces and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add the dry pasta directly into the pot, tossing to coat with the meat and vegetable mixture.
  3. Pour in Liquids and Seasonings: Pour the beef broth and milk over the ingredients, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herb blend. Stir thoroughly to combine all components evenly.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed into a creamy sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Stir Through: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, creating a gooey sauce that binds the dish together. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for creamier texture and better melting than pre-shredded varieties.
  • Avoid overcooking zucchini by adding it early but cooking just enough to soften without becoming mushy.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to keep pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken perfectly.
  • Adjust liquid amounts depending on pasta type used; add more broth or milk if needed.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: one pot meal, hamburger helper, zucchini, cheddar cheese, ground beef, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, gluten free option, quick recipe