Hamburger Helper

As a kid quick fix meals were making a big splash in the market. 'Rescuing' housewives from the drudgery of cooking. Helping the working mom get dinner on the table in a hurry. They were a great idea. So lots of us grew up with these flavors, they remind us of being a kid and simpler times, but we've grown up, we've gotten older and we need to watch our sodium, cholesterol, and other things. These convenience foods we looked upon so fondly, we now discover that they aren't so good for us, so we put them aside and make 'healthy' choices for us and our families and think on the childhood memories with a wistfulness.

Well think no longer and make them a reality. In this modern age people have gone out and recreated the flavors while reducing the negative aspects of these foods. Also in truth, they taste better and are just as simple and quick to make. I have found 2 such 'copycat' recipes and so I share them here with you today.

Hamburger Helper (the basic box)

1 pound Ground beef (really any ground meat works)
2 1/2 c Milk (any fat content you are comfortable with)
1 1/2 c Hot water
2 C Macaroni ( or other small shaped pasta)
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
1 Tbsp Chili powder
2 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Sugar (I have found this to be optional)
3/4 tsp Paprika
 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper (optional)
2 C Cheese (shredded, cheddar is best but any works)

Brown the meat in a pan (One that will fit a lid)
Drain if needed
Add the Milk and Water
Stir in the Spices and Cornstarch
Mix well
Add the pasta
Cover and simmer about 15 to 20 min, The pasta should be tender and there should be a little liquid left
Stir in the cheese and serve

Everything could be portioned in advance. Place it in a Ziplok and mark what needs to be added to it on the baggie.

Hamburger Helper Stroganoff

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/4 c Onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb Ground Beef
8 oz Pasta (egg noodles, bows, penne, etc)
1 1/2 C Milk
2 C Beef broth (slightly strong)
1 Tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1/4 tsp Paprika
1/4 tsp Chilli Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
2/3 c Sour Cream ( I use schmand or creme fraiche)

In a pan that will fit a lid add the oil, onion, garlic and beef
Brown the beef, Drain if needed
Sprinkle the cornstarch on top, stir
Add the milk, bring to a simmer
Add Broth, spices, and pasta
Simmer until pasta is tender 15 to 20 min
Remove from heat
Add sour cream
Stir well, 1-2 min, with the pan on the turned off but hot burner.