Hamburger Helper Budget Stretch

Submitted by GeeWhiz

"Is one box of Hamburger Helper not enough for your family? It's not enough for my family of boys so I created this easy 'stretch' in order to double the servings. My family likes the Salisbury flavor so that's what this recipe is based upon - but it'd go well with other flavors, too."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• 1 (6 1/4 ounce) box Hamburger Helper mix for beef pasta, use the enclosed seasoning package and noodles
• 1 lb hamburger
• 5 1⁄2 cups water
• 3 cups fancy cut dry noodles
• 1⁄3 cup tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced carrots, un-drained
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1⁄2 cup sour cream

directions

1. Follow the cooking directions on the Hamburger Helper box, using the enclosed seasonings and noodles and adding my list of ingredients (except sour cream); be sure to use the amount of water I've listed and not the amount listed on the box; you can sauté the onions with the hamburger if you'd like.
2. Mix in sour cream just before serving.
3. *You could substitute any thin or small noodles you have in the pantry and use corn or other veggies in place of the carrots.
4. *We aren't salt lovers, if you are - double the salt.

Reviews

[lauralie41]

Very good recipe that makes Hamburger Helper stretch and taste homemade. I used Kluski egg noodles and omitted the sugar as I didnt want a sweet flavor added. Warmed this up for supper tonight and it was even better than the first night. Thank you 4Susan for posting this great recipe! Made and reviewed for My 3 Chefs.

 

[domesticatedmom]

Yes susan this is a very good budget stretch. I have done the same. I wanted to rate this idea for other budget lookers. My kids don't eat tomatoes I use the italian sauce that is very much like crushed canned tomatoes.

 

[evewitch]

We used the Philly Cheese Steak flavor Hamburger Helper for this (and saved the fried onion topping for another time). Since that flavor calls for milk, I used the specified amount then made up the remaining 5 1/2 c. with water. I used sliced carrots because I couldn't find diced, but I think I would still prefer the diced if I can get them next time. I used a combination of elbow macaroni and whole wheat penne, so I had to cook it a little longer. It was really good and made plenty of food. I thought it was a bit too sweet, but everyone else liked that flavor. I think next time I will just use 1 tsp. salt instead of 1/2 tsp., which might improve the balance.

 

[Likkel]

I love budget (or meal) stretchers and thought that this one turned out quite a bit better with the additions! My kids will bring home friends for dinner now and then and this insures that they can all be welcomed to the table and not sent on their way even a little hungry. I always have a pantry of pasta, so I try and match it to what is in the box. Thanks for posting!