Heart-Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this comforting, guilt-free Heart-Healthy Homemade Hamburger Helper. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lean ground turkey, whole wheat elbow macaroni, and a melody of fresh vegetables, this recipe is a wholesome twist on the classic favorite. The rich combination of low-sodium chicken broth, tomato sauce, and melty low-fat cheddar cheese creates a creamy, flavorful sauce without overloading on salt or fat. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-skillet wonder is perfect for busy families looking for a quick, balanced meal. Bonus: a pop of fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, making it as good for your heart as it is for your taste buds. Keywords: heart-healthy, homemade hamburger helper, lean ground turkey, one-skillet dinner, weeknight recipe, low-sodium pasta dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 8 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 15 ounces low-sodium tomato sauce
• 1 cup unsalted low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5

Drain any excess fat from the skillet and return it to the heat.

Step 6

Stir in the chicken broth and tomato sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 7

Add the whole wheat elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.

Step 8

Stir in the dijon mustard, dried oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 9

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.

Step 10

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

Step 11

Finally, stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt in the hot mixture, about 2 minutes.

Step 12

Serve the Heart-Healthy Hamburger Helper hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2127.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2285.0

Total Fat 67.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 364.0mg	0%
Sodium 996.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 253.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.6g	0%
Total Sugars 52.4g
Protein 198.3g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1188.1mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 4246.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.2%

Protein: 32.8%

Carbs: 42.0%