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4.88 from 8 votes

Healthy Hamburger Helper

This homemade hamburger helper is a mix between my Cauliflower Cheeseburger Mac and my Mac and Cheese and, guys, I am here for it.  So creamy and delicious, but with hidden cauliflower veggie power that makes this dish extra creamy without tons of cheese!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Total Time8 minutes
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 454kcal
Author: Nancylynn

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups gluten free elbows
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or beef broth divided use
  • 4 cups cauliflower florets small head or frozen bag
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese About 1 block
  • 2 tablespoons pecorino romano optional

Instructions

Instant Pot

  • Set Instant Pot to Saute and add in ground beef.  Brown meat, then stir in garlic powder, dry mustard, and salt.  Layer pasta on top, but don’t stir, then top with 2 cups of broth.  Then place the cauliflower florets in a steam basket on top of the beef and pasta mixture.  Lock lid. 
  • Set Instant Pot for 3 minutes. After cook time, do a quick release.  
  • Remove cauliflower and place in a blender with ¼-½ cup of broth and puree. You should have about 2 cups of the puree; if you have more, freeze to use later. Stir in the puree, stir it into the pasta mixture along with the shredded cheese.  Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted. 
  • Serve and enjoy!

Stovetop

  • Brown the ground beef in a large pot or dutch oven.
  • Stir in the seasoning and then add the 2 cups of broth and bring to a boil.
  • Add pasta to the pot, and cook according to the directions on the box or until tender, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.  Do not drain.
  • Meanwhile, steam your cauliflower in a separate pot or microwave until fork tender.
  • Remove cauliflower and place in a blender with 1/4 cup of broth and puree.  You should have about 2 cups of the puree; if you have more, freeze to use later.
  • Stir in cauliflower puree and cheese into pasta and keep stirring until all the cheese is melted. 
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

21 Day Fix: 1 YELLOW, 3/4 GREEN, 3/4 RED, 1 BLUE (per serving)
WW: 11 points (per serving) [Calculated using 95% lean ground beef, gluten free elbows, and reduced fat cheddar cheese]

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 454kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 762mg | Potassium: 514mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 384IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 317mg | Iron: 2mg