Hamburger Helping Mix (In a Jar)

Kzim4's Note:

Replace those boxes with a homemade version. I have only tried the stroganoff so far, but the kids absolutely loved this (even more than the boxed stuff!).

• Total Time: 5 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 0.5 cup

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 1 cup cornstarch
• ¼ 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

CHILI MAC

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup macaroni noodles , raw
• 2 (14 ounce) cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ cup hamburger , helping mix

STROGANOFF

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup hamburger , helping mix
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• ½ cup sour cream

POTATO BEEF CASSEROLE

• 1 lb ground beef
• ¾ cup water
• 6 potatoes , peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• ½ cup hamburger , helping mix

QUICK LASAGNA

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup hamburger , helping mix
• 1 onion , chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 (16 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups lasagna noodles , uncooked, broken in bits
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese , shredded

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.
2. Attach the recipes to the jar:.
3. CHILI MAC:.
4. Brown ground beef and drain.
5. Add remaining ingredients.
6. Combine well and simmer 20 minutes or until macaroni is cooked.
7. STROGANOFF:.
8. Brown ground beef and drain.
9. Add water, mix, and uncooked egg noodles.
10. Simmer 20 minutes or until noodles are tender.
11. Stir in sour cream and serve.
12. POTATO BEEF CASSEROLE:.
13. Brown ground beef and drain.
14. Add rest of ingredients.
15. Simmer, covered, until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
16. Remove cover and cook until excess water has evaporated.
17. QUICK LASAGNA:.
18. Brown ground beef and drain.
19. Add mix, onion, water, tomato sauce, lasagna noodles and parmesan cheese in large skillet.
20. Bring to a boil.
21. Reduce heat to simmer.
22. Simmer for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked.
23. Top with mozzarella cheese.
24. Turn off heat and let cheese melt.

Reviews

[jln's mom]

My guys really liked the chili mac,I made a double batch. They weren't so keen on the stroganoff though. very convenient to have on hand and easy to make. I stored mine in baby food jars already measured and ready to go. thanks for the great idea.

[Anemone]

This was nice to modify. I made a 1/6 batch for the Chili Mac, since I didn't have that much cornstarch (... and to be safe, since I hate throwing away leftover big batches we end up not liking.) I omited the milk powder and beef boullion, and just added a couple tbsps of water swished around in the tomato can. I also added more spices (tasted as I added); didn't have basil, but tossed in a bit of cumin and a pinch of cinamon (brings out the tomatoes!) I was running out of room in my pot: I boiled 3 times the noodles (we like our pasta!)separately, so didn't add the water to the beef mix. To top it all off, I added pre-cut green onions, red pepper and corn from the freezer. My daughter told me to save this recipe. My son ate three helpings. Easy, healthy, and a kid approved meal.

[AdamAndJonahsMom]

I love that I can know the ingredients... ALL of the ingredients! (way better than boxed mixes with mystery ingredients, IMO!) We tried the Lasagna first and it was super tasty. Next time i am going to swap out the broken lasagna noodles for a mini bowtie or similar. The taste was excellent -- which is more than i can say for the boxed mix! LOL ... I love that i mix up the base and can have it on hand to use in a variety of ways! I am passing this idea on to all of my mommy friends :)