Boxed Hamburger Helper is high in sodium. The mix alone contains 550 milligrams of sodium and it's closer to 990 milligrams once prepared; the American Heart Association's recommended daily sodium intake for adults is 1500 milligrams. The mix also does not contain healthy additions like whole grains and vegetables, so it should be eaten in moderation or avoided. This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe, however, is a different story! It has fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean mean, all of which offer nutritional benefits.