Hamburger Helper Clone

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As Hamburger helper reaches 1.50 a box, I save the old boxes and create my own dinner kits. Want chicken helper? Use chicken bullion and poultry seasoning. Tuna Helper use chicken bullion and a splash of fish sauce. This base mix can power a real savings cascade. Change seasonings around and portion control to win the let’s play dinner game.

• 1 ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla sugar
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 1/3 cup dry onion flakes
• 2 Tablespoons corn starch or arrow root
• 3 Tablespoons onion powder
• 1 2/3 cup dry milk
• 1 Tablespoon sea salt
• 3 ½ Tablespoons beef bouillon
• 2 Tablespoons brown gravy powder *MSG free
• 1 Tablespoon Wondra flour or pastry flour

Mix this all up and store in a glass jar or other sealed container.

I put this through the coffee grinder for a finer sauce

Use ½ cup for each pound of ground meat (beef, turkey or chicken).

Basic recipe

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup of mix (above)
• 2 to 3 cups noodles (elbow macaroni for example) or 2 cups rice
• 1 1/2 to 3 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• flavorings

Brown and drain the ground beef. Stir in the dry mix, then add 2 cups hot water and 2 cups noodles. You can add more or less water and noodles, proportionately, depending on much you need to stretch that pound of beef. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer, cover, and cook until noodles are tender, about 20 minutes.

Cheeseburger skillet: add 1 cup dehydrated cheese with the dry mix. Or cook as above, then stir in 2 cups grated Cheddar or Colby cheese before serving. Serve with fresh cubed tomatoes, onion, lettuce and pickles. Crumbled cooked bacon optional.

Stroganoff: add a bit of 1/2 tsp of onion powder, ½ tsp thyme and 1/2 tsp celery salt with the dry mix. Stir in a 1/2 cup fresh or canned mushrooms. After cooking noodles, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream just before serving. Top with grated parmesan cheese

Chili: Add one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, ½ cup diced onion, 1 Tbsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, 1 Tbsp tomato paste. Diced green peppers and green onions for color.

Potato variation: Instead of macaroni, add 2-3 cups very thinly sliced potatoes or julienned potatoes. Simmer 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender. Uncover and simmer until liquid has evaporated. Add canned or frozen peas and heat thru.

A good way to make healthy sub whole wheat pasta, and drain meat after browning rinsing with hot water.

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