Back to Basics ? Hamburger Mix

Image by LWY via Flickr

Homemade Hamburger Helper Mix

1 1/4 tsp. black pepper fresh ground is best

1 Tbs. garlic powder

2 Tbs. dried parsley

1/3 cup dehydrated onion

3 Tbs. onion powder

1 Tbs. salt

1/4 cup of clear-jel or sifted cornstarch

1 2/3 cups dry milk

3 1/2 Tbs. beef bouillon

Mix this all up (pulse in a blender or food processor) and store in a glass jar or other sealed container. Use 1/2 cup for each pound of ground meat.

Basic recipe:

1 pound ground beef (Ground turkey)

1/2 cup of helper mix (above)

1 to 2 cups noodles (elbow macaroni for example) or 1 cup rice, 2 cups dried potatoes, 1 cup pearled barley, 1 cup couscous.

1 1/2 to 3 cups water

Flavorings to taste (grill seasonings i.e. Chicago steak)

Directions: Brown and drain the ground beef well then add 1 Tbs. butter. Stir in the dry mix, and 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, and then stir in 2 cups grated Cheddar or Colby cheese before serving.  Garnish with shredded lettuce, onion, tomatoes, crumbled bacon.

Stroganoff: add a bit of 1/2 tsp of onion powder 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 with a small dash of parmesan cheese. Dried Mushrooms work well in this recipe. Pinches of tarragon and thyme are good also.

Chili: Add one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, 1 Tbs. chili powder, 1 small diced onion, and 1 diced green pepper.  Garnish with parsley, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

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. Great for dehydrated potato slices.

**Tip save boxes and refill with packaged mix, noodles, & seasonings.