In the interests of full disclosure, let me say this: I have no idea what Hamburger Helper tastes like. But I’ve seen it, and I’ve seen the ingredient list, and this is my best kick at a healthy, tasty homemade version.

And my daughter just asked for seconds and if she could have it in her lunch tomorrow, so that’s saying something.

This is an easy crockpot recipe you could also make on the stove.

Ingredients:
1/2 lb lean ground beef, preferably grass-fed and naturally-raised
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 c. finely chopped kale (I used frozen)
2 carrots, peeled and grated
1-796 ml (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 c. unsweetened almond or cow’s milk
2 c. water
1/2 c. nutritional yeast
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp smoked or regular paprika
1.5 c. dry 100% whole grain macaroni
1/2 c. plain, nonfat greek yoghurt
1/2 c. grated white cheddar

To prepare:
In a pan on the stovetop, brown the beef and drain off any extra fat. In a crockpot, combine browned beef, onion, garlic, kale, carrot, tomatoes, almond milk, water, nutritional yeast, chili powder, salt, and paprika. Stir to combine and cook on high setting for about 3 hours. Add dry macaroni and let mixture cook another half hour or until noodles tender. Stir in yoghurt and cheddar until well-blended, then remove from heat and serve. Serves 6.

Wendy McCallum, LLB, RHN, is passionate about providing busy parents with the tools & support they need to feed their families wholesome food, so everyone can play, learn, and feel better!  She is a mother of two terrific kids. For information and recipe ideas, visit her website or pick-up her cookbook