DIY Hamburger Helper

Now I am a big fan of cream soups as base for skillet meals but here is another healthy alternative to all those packaged mixes. BTW I often store brown sugar, pasta, rice, or flour based items in airtight packages rather than the original packaging. I have pretty jars full of pasta and beans displayed on counter-tops. Keep your eyes open for those at rummage and estate sales.

Make your own mix used as a flavoring and thickener in ground beef recipes.
from http://busycooks.about.com/od/homemademixes/r/groundbeefmix.htm
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup beef bouillon powder
1/4 cup dried onion flakes
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. pepper
2 Tbsp. dried parsley
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
Preparation:

Mix the ingredients together in a medium bowl and store in an air tight container in a cool, dry place.

Make into Recipes Using Ground Beef Mix
*Chili Tomato Mac
*Ground Beef Stroganoff
*Hearty Potato Ground Beef Casserole
*Skillet Ground Beef Lasagna

Chili Tomato Mac is an easy five ingredient recipe that uses homemade Ground Beef Mix.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 cup water
1-1/2 cups uncooked medium shell or penne pasta
2 (14-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup Ground Beef Mix

Preparation:

In large skillet, brown ground beef with onion and drain off the fat. Add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, stir well, cover, reduce heat, simmer covered 20 minutes or until pasta is tender. 4-6 servings

************************

Ground Beef Stroganoff

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cups water
1/2 cup Ground Beef Mix
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
3/4 cup sour cream

Preparation:

In large skillet, brown ground beef or turkey with the onion and drain off the fat. Add water, Ground Beef Mix (this is similar to mixes like Hamburger Helper) and uncooked egg noodles and stir. Bring mixture to a boil, cover pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until noodles are tender. Stir in sour cream until well mixed. Serve immediately.

************************

Hearty Potato Ground Beef Casserole

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 onion, chopped
4 peeled, thinly sliced potatoes
3/4 cup water
1-1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
1/2 cup Ground Beef Mix

Preparation:

Brown ground beef with onion in heavy skillet and drain off the fat. Add remaining ingredients, stir gently, and bring to a boil. Cover skillet, reduce heat, and simmer covered 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir, uncover skillet and cook until excess water is evaporated. 4-6 servings

************************

Skillet Ground Beef Lasagna

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups uncooked mafalda (mini lasagna noodles)
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup small curd cottage cheese
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves
1/4 tsp. dried oregano leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmean cheese
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Preparation:

In heavy skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain thoroughly. Add uncooked noodles, spaghetti sauce and water to meat in skillet. Mix well and bring to a boil, then cover skillet, reduce heat and cook 15-17 minutes until noodles are tender, stirring frequently.
Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, and oregano in a small bowl until blended.

Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly over cooked mixture in skillet. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is melted and mixture is hot. Remove from heat and uncover. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 6 servings

************************