Hamburger Helper Mix DIY

These days it seems alot of folks just don't have the time to spend in the kitchen.  Convenience foods have become a way of life for many.  The problem is that most of it is not very healthy.  Lots of salt and preservatives that you can't even pronounce.  Reading the contents can be a tongue-twisting teaser at best.  So why not try your hand at making your own mixes?  They are easy to make and can be so much better for you.  You can control your ingredients (including the salt) and tweak them to your own family's tastes.  Don't like an ingredient?  Don't add it!  Another thing I like about making my own mixes is that I am not paying for the packaging OR the preservatives!  

I have found several different mixes that just might come in handy when you are in a hurry and looking for a quick fix.  Many of them can be made from ingredients from your own food pantry.  They are easy to make and great to have on hand.  

Today I thought I would share a recipe for making your own Hamburger Helper. The great thing is that you can eliminate the things you might not like or add some things that you do.  Cheap, easy and so much better for you too. I love the convenience of Hamburger Helper but being cheap...errr frugal I hate paying the price they want for it. The trick is to keep plenty of this mix on hand so you won't be tempted to pick up a box at the store. 


Home-style Hamburger Helper

2 cups nonfat dry milk
1 cup corn starch
1/4 cup beef bouillon powder
2 tablespoons onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder

Mix all the ingredients well and store in an air tight jar.
Now here are some recipes for using this mix.

Chili Mac
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 cup water
1/2 cup macaroni noodles (uncooked)
2 cans chopped tomatoes
1  Tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup Hamburger Helper mix

Combine all and simmer 20 minutes or until macaroni is cooked.

Stroganoff
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
2 cups water
1/2 cup Hamburger Helper mix
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup sour cream

Combine all except sour cream. Simmer 20 minutes or until noodles are tender. Stir in sour cream and serve.

Potato Beef Casserole
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
3/4 cup water
6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup frozen mixed veggies
1/2 cup Hamburger Helper mix

Combine all and simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove cover and cook until excess water is evaporated.

Easy Lasagna
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1/2 cup Hamburger Helper mix
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
16 oz tomato sauce
3 cups lasagna noodles, uncooked, broken in bits
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Combine all except mozzarella in large skillet. Bring to a boil, let simmer for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked. Top with mozzarella. Turn off heat and let cheese melt.

And there you have it!  Easy to make and so much better for you AND your wallet.  I'll be posting some more easy mixes in the future.  Heaven knows I have plenty of them to share!
      ~~~~~  Hey ... I'm Just Sayin' ...  ~~~~~