Cook With Me: Crockpot Hamburger Helper

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

beef broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon

Vegetable broth is lower in fat, and bouillon is a cost-effective alternative.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: pasta of choice

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while other pasta types may be more affordable.

Brown 2 pounds of ground turkey in a skillet (can be done the night before) and break it up after refrigerating overnight.

Dice up 1 yellow bell pepper (suggested not to use green) and set aside.

Dice up 1 onion (either yellow or white, not purple) and set aside.

Chop 1 cup of fresh spinach (must be fresh, not frozen) and set aside.

Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic (jarred or fresh) to the mixture.

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Add 1.5 cups of pasta sauce (any flavor) to the mixture.

Pour in 1.5 cups of milk (1% used, but any type can be used).

Add 1 cup of chicken broth (original recipe called for beef broth).

Mix all ingredients thoroughly (this may take some time).

Cover the crockpot and set it on low for 7 to 8 hours.

Before serving, add shredded cheese (Mexican blend used, amount to taste) and mix until melted and gooey.

Cook medium pasta shells (or elbow macaroni) separately according to package instructions.

Mix the cooked pasta with the crockpot mixture before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens