Boosted Hamburger Helper (50g Protein Per Serving)
This is the Hamburger Helper you grew up with — same nostalgic, cheesy, one-pan comfort — except this version packs 50 grams of protein per serving. The secret is 8 scoops of Meal Boosters Cheesy Cheese stirred in at the end, which layers in real cheddar flavor and collagen protein without changing the texture at all. It just tastes more like itself.
Everything cooks in one pan, the pasta absorbs directly into the broth (no draining required), and the whole thing is done in about 35 minutes. Great for a busy weeknight and even better as meal prep — it reheats beautifully with a splash of milk to loosen it back up.
Boosted Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- ¾ lb 93% lean ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup onion, diced
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- 8 oz dry pasta
- 1 cup part-skim cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 scoops Meal Boosters Cheesy Cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with salt and paprika, breaking it up as it browns, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic powder. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the onion softens.
- Add tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and let it reduce for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dry pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Uncover, add milk, stir, then cover again and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce comes together.
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and all 8 scoops of Meal Boosters Cheesy Cheese until smooth and melted. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
Notes
Don't skip the stir-in step. Add Meal Boosters off the heat — this keeps the texture creamy and prevents clumping.
Pasta shape matters. Elbow macaroni is classic here, but rotini or medium shells work great too. Avoid large pasta shapes; they won't cook evenly in the broth.
Meal prep tip. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth and stir well — it comes right back to life.
Flavor swap. Swap Cheesy Cheese for Meal Boosters White Cheddar for a milder, creamier flavor profile.
Originally from the free Meal Boosters Cookbook
Ready to boost your next skillet dinner? Cheesy Cheese is the one ingredient your weeknight meals have been missing.
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