# Hungry Helper Beef with protein and fiber

This is a healthified, family-friendly version of hamburger helper, packed with protein and fiber.

- Servings: 4 servings
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- avocado oil
- 0.5 cup frozen onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 lb ground beef, 90% lean
- 1 can canned lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp onion powder
- black pepper
- 1.5 tbsp tomato paste
- 0.125 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt
- 4 cups cooked Brami pasta
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella/cheddar or a mix)
- 0.5 cup blended cottage cheese

## Instructions

1. Cook the pasta, then drain and set it aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil, then onion and garlic.
3. Cook the garlic for 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add ground beef, spread it out as much as possible, and let it cook for about 5 minutes to get a little crusty on the bottom.
5. Add one can of drained and rinsed lentils to the beef mixture.
6. Add onion powder and black pepper.
7. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
8. Add 1/8 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
9. Add one cup of crushed tomatoes.
10. Add garlic powder.
11. Add salt to taste.
12. Let the mixture thicken; the lentils will help.
13. Add 4 cups of the cooked pasta to the mixture.
14. Turn off the heat. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and 1/2 cup of blended cottage cheese.

## Equipment

- pan
- large skillet

## Tips

- To double the recipe, use half ground beef and half ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Spread the beef out in the pan to get a crusty bottom.
- Lentils are a great source of iron, protein, and fiber.
- Use lower fat cheese for fewer calories and more protein.
- Blend cottage cheese to avoid curds in the dish.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18kztL5Ekz/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/d41dfc2c-bb70-4481-bf35-5b93fda306dc
- Extracted: 2026-06-15

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt