Hamburger Helper Substitute

DrGaellon's Note:

Homemade substitute for Hamburger Helper, three variations. Ignore the nutrition information, as it will include ALL ingredients for all 3 variations. Each variation serves 4-6. Originally posted to the Cooking-Dragon Yahoo Group.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

Seasoning Mix

• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/3 cup instant onion
• 3 tablespoons onion powder or 3 tablespoons granulated onion
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 2/3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 3 1/2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules

Cheeseburger Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes or 1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Chili Tomato Macaroni

• 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes or 1 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder

Potato Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb ground turkey
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thin

Directions:

1. Combine seasoning mix ingredients. Store in an airtight container. Shake well before using.
2. Cheeseburger Casserole: Brown meat in 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat and discard. Add water, macaroni, tomatoes and 1/2 cup of seasoning mix. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Off heat, stir in parmesan cheese and serve.
3. Chili Tomato Macaroni: Brown meat in 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat and discard. Add water, macaroni, tomatoes, chili powder and 1/2 cup of seasoning mix. Simmer, covered, 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Serve hot.
4. Potato Casserole: Brown meat in 12" skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat and discard. Add water, potatoes, and 2/3 cup of seasoning mix. Simmer, covered, 20-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir. Cook uncovered until excess water is evaporated and sauce is nice and thick. Serve hot.

Reviews

[TJ-Montana]

Good stuff! I made the potato casserole. Easy and filling!

[JD's K9 Queen]

I made the potato casserole version tonight and it went over well. I made a vegetarian version (for my daughter) w/ meatless sausage and I used veggie boullion instead of beef. I needed to add more water but I think it was beacuse the veggie sausage soaked some of it up. I will try again with the other versions! Thanks!