There’s something about a big pot of creamy, cheesy pasta that feels like home especially on nights when you just need something comforting and nourishing without a lot of fuss. This recipe is my cleaner, more wholesome take on classic hamburger helper made with real, good-for-you ingredients and so much flavor in every bite.
Instead of the boxed stuff, we’re using grass-fed ground beef (I love the Force of Nature ancestral blend for the extra nutrients), Jovial organic gluten free pasta, and a rich beef bone broth base from Kettle & Fire. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies everyone at the table while still keeping things simple and wholesome. This one-pot dish comes together in under 30 minutes and makes the creamiest, dreamiest bowl of comfort food. It’s cozy, protein-packed, and full of flavor the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
My Favorite Brands to Use in This Recipe:
- Force of Nature Grass Fed Beef Ancestral Blend — Combines grass-fed ground beef with nutrient-dense organ meats like liver and heart, creating a powerhouse source of iron, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Unlike conventional beef, it’s raised on regenerative farms without hormones or antibiotics, supporting both your health and the environment. The result is cleaner protein that nourishes on a deeper level, helping your body rebuild and thrive from the inside out.
- Jovial Gluten Free Pasta – I like opting for gluten free pasta because it’s often easier to digest, especially during times when your body needs a little extra care. Unlike refined wheat pasta, which can spike blood sugar and contribute to inflammation in some people, brown rice is a whole grain that’s easier to digest and gentler on the system. Jovial crafts their pasta from 100% organic brown rice, giving it a deliciously firm texture and mild, nutty flavor without gums, fillers, or additives.
- Kettle & Fire Organic Broth – Made from slow-simmered, grass-fed beef, this broth is packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids that support gut health and immunity. It’s also certified organic and free from artificial flavors or preservatives, making it a superior choice for rich, nourishing soups and one-pan meals.
- Organic Valley Cheeses – I love using Organic Valley’s cheese and cream because they come from pasture-raised cows that are cared for the right way no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or GMOs. Their cheeses are rich, creamy, and full of real flavor thanks to the cows’ grass-fed diet, which also boosts nutrients like omega-3s and CLA. The heavy cream is equally special, smooth, fresh, and pure, perfect for creating that velvety texture in sauces or creamy baked dishes. With Organic Valley, you can truly taste the difference that clean, organic dairy makes wholesome, nourishing, and made the way nature intended.
- Organic Grass Fed Heavy Cream
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 lb Grass Fed Beef (I use Force of Nature)
- 3 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 3 1/2 cups Beef Broth (I use Kettle & Fire)
- 1 box Organic Gluten Free Elbow Pasta (I use Jovial)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 slice American Cheese (cut up into small pieces)
- Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once warm, toss in the onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned about 8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir in the tomato paste and chili powder, letting everything coat the beef. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes (depending on the pasta shape).
- Once the pasta is cooked, take the pot off the heat and stir in the cream, shredded cheddar, and American cheese. Mix until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Spoon into bowls and finish with the rest of the chives on top.