Hamburger Henchman

Ok, ok… I know it is a lame name for a homemade knock-off of that box meal Hamburger Helper™, but I thought it was appropriate to describe my twist. Packed with vegetables and balanced with meat, pasta and cheese, this meal is as hearty as it is simple to make. This recipe is for a one pan casserole with Italian flavors, but I can see many variations possible. So skip the box and cook with fresh ingredients to enjoy that same simple and hearty meal with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings. Are you up for the change? Then give this one a try!

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Hamburger Henchman

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 45 mins

Serves: 2

Ingredients

6 oz ground beef
5 oz pasta
½ cup red pepper, diced (approximately ½ pepper)
½ cup yellow onion, diced (approximately ½ medium onion)
½ cup carrot, diced (approximately 1 medium carrot)
½ cup celery, diced (approximately 1 large stalk)
½ cup fresh or frozen green beans (If fresh, cut into 1 inch pieces)
1½ tsp garlic, minced (approximately 1 large or 2 medium cloves)
2 scallions, thinly sliced
8 oz tomato sauce
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
½ tsp basil
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp parsley
1 tsp paprika
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tsp olive oil
4 - 5 slices of provolone or shredded mozzarella to cover
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium pan over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering.
Add the ground beef and cook until pink is gone, crumbling the beef, approximately 4 minutes.
Add the salt and freshly ground pepper while cooking the beef.
Add the carrots, onions, celery, and red pepper, cooking for 2 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
Add the garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Cook for 1 minute before adding the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Add the pasta and stir to combine.
Cook for 15 minutes covered over low-medium heat.
After 15 minutes, add the green beans, stirring to combine, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Preheat the broiler on High.
Remove the cover and lay the cheese on top.
Place under the broiler on the middle shelf for 3 - 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Serve and garnish with scallions and additional cheese, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute Italian Seasoning for the Basil, Oregano, and Parsley.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 732 Fat: 29g Saturated fat: 14g Unsaturated fat: 9g Trans fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 71g Sugar: 10g Sodium: 1850mg Fiber: 6g Protein: 47g Cholesterol: 96mg

In a medium pan over medium heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the ground beef and cook until pink is gone, crumbling the beef, approximately 4 minutes. Add the salt and freshly ground pepper while cooking the beef. Add the carrots, onions, celery, and red pepper, cooking for 2 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.

Add the garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute before adding the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the pasta and stir to combine.

Cook for 15 minutes covered over low-medium heat. After 15 minutes, add the green beans, stirring to combine, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes. Preheat the broiler on High. Remove the cover and lay the cheese on top.

Place under the broiler on the middle shelf for 3 – 5 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Serve and garnish with scallions and additional cheese, if desired.