My kids absolutely love Hamburger Helper's Cheeseburger Macaroni, but it's definately not the healthiest thing I can feed my kids (loaded with sodium and not a big fan of regular pasta). Unfortunately, it's a quick and easy meal with a family on the run. So I went in search of a little healthier, homemade versions. Here are two variations:
Option #1:
1 lb. ground turkey
1 can Cheddar Cheese Soup
1 can Condensed "Less Sodium" Tomato Soup
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups uncooked whole wheat macaroni noodles
Cook the turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat.
Stir the soups, water and pasta in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring often.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a veggie & fruit and you have a quick & healthier family dinner
5 servings
Option #2:
Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix
1 1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 Tbs. garlic powder
2 Tbs. dried parsley
1/3 cup instant onion
3 Tbs. onion powder
1 Tbs. salt
1 2/3 cup dry milk
3 1/2 Tbs. beef bouillon
Mix this all up and store in a glass jar or other sealed container.
Use 1/2 cup for each pound of ground meat.
Basic recipe
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
1/2 cup of mix (above)
1 to 2 cups noodles (whole wheat elbow macaroni for example)
1 1/2 to 3 cups water
flavorings
Brown and drain the meat. Stir in the dry mix, then add 2 cups hot water and 2cups 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: cook as above, then add your own cheese preference before serving.
Stroganoff: add 1/2 tsp of onion powder and 1/2 tsp celery salt with the dry mix. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh or canned mushrooms. After cooking noodles, stir in 1/4 cup light sour cream just before serving.
Chili: Add one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, 1 Tbs chili powder.
Potato variation: Instead of macaroni, add 2-3 cups very thinly sliced potatoes. Simmer 20-30 minutes until potatoes are tender. Uncover and simmer until liquid has evaporated.
