Homemade Hamburger Helper Mixes

Someone mentioned Hamburger Helper the other day. Honestly, since I don't make it much I had really forgotten about this one pot wonder. Growing up my Mom would make it and no matter what flavor variety she made, Cheeseburger Helper was always my favorite. So in honor of this once forgotten favorite quick dish meal, I am sharing a few recipes to help stretch your grocery budget with your own homemade Hamburger Helper creations.

Keep in mind though that these are just basic recipes. Feel free to add in other ingredients to enhance your taste or to make the dish more filling. Some easy choices would be frozen peas and/or carrots, broccoli florets, even chopped spinach would be a good addition. To give it a little zip, add in some salsa or diced tomatoes with green chile's. You are only limited by your own imagination.

(Image Source General Mills, Corp.)

Basic Hamburger Helper Seasoning Mix
1- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 Tblsp. garlic powder
2 Tblsp. dried parsley
1/2 c. dehydrated onion flakes
1 Tblsp. onion powder
1 - 1/2 tsp. salt
1 - 2/3 c. fat-free dry milk powder
3 - 1/2 Tblsp. beef bouillon granules

Combine all ingredients together to mix well. Store in an airtight container. Use as directed in the following recipes.

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Cheeseburger Helper

1 lb. ground meat (beef or turkey)
1 - 1/2 c. water
1 c. uncooked macaroni
1/2 c. basic hamburger helper seasoning mix
2 c. grated cheddar cheese (or for a smoother texture use velveeta cheese)

Cook meat in a medium skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat. Return meat to skillet. Add water, 1 cup uncooked macaroni, seasoning mix. Stir to mix well. Simmer covered 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir in grated cheese and allow to melt.

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Chili Mac Hamburger Helper
1 lb. ground meat (beef or turkey)
1 - 1/2 c. water
1 c. uncooked macaroni
1/2 c. basic hamburger helper seasoning mix
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 Tblsp chili powder

Cook meat in a medium skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat. Return meat to skillet. Add water, 1 cup uncooked macaroni, diced tomatoes, seasoning mix and chili powder. Stir to mix well. Simmer covered 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

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Potato Hamburger Helper

1 lb. ground meat (beef or turkey)
1 - 1/2 c. water
5 or 6 medium sized potatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 c. + 1 Tblsp. basic hamburger helper seasoning mix

Cook meat in a medium skillet until no longer pink. Drain fat. Return meat to skillet. Add water, potatoes, and seasoning mix. Stir to mix well. Simmer covered 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

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