Doctoring Up Hamburger Helper Food

ELEVATED HAMBURGER HELPER RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Add the bacon to a large pot. Turn the heat to medium-high and cook until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion to the pot. Cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add the red bell pepper, carrots, and garlic. Cook until softened, 2-3 minutes more.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pan. Break up the beef with spatula and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt.
• Add the paprika and tomato paste. Cook until fragrant and the tomato paste turns brick-red in color, 2-3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, beef stock, and milk and bring to a low boil.
• Once the liquid is boiling, add the pasta shells. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente and they have absorbed most of the liquid. NOTE: The timing will differ depending on what type of noodles you use.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Gouda and cheddar cheeses until melted. Fold in the cooked bacon.
• Garnish with parsley, if desired.
• Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!

HAMBURGER HELPER MY WAY

Steps:

• Brown the meat in a medium sized skillet.
• Do not add water to it unless there isn't enough fat in the meat.
• If water is needed, add very little.
• Bring the 3 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
• Add the packet of macaroni.
• Boil until the macaroni is done and tender.
• When the meat is done, drain the grease from the skillet and return skillet to the burner.
• Don't remove the meat from the skillet.
• Drain the water from the macaroni and rinse with hot water.
• Add the macaroni to the meat and stir.
• Lower the burner to medium.
• In a shaker bottle or large cup, mix the half and half and the 1/2 cup water.
• Add the packet of sauce mix/powder and shake vigorously or stir in cup very well, until sauce mix/powder is completely dissolved and there are no lumps in it.
• With one hand, slowly add the sauce mixture to the hamburger mixture, while stirring constantly with the other hand.
• Stir constantly so that it doesn't start to stick to the bottom of the skillet.
• Sauce will start to thicken.
• Continue stirring constantly.
• You might need to lower the heat again.
• Once sauce has somewhat thickened, remove from heat and let stand.
• The sauce will completely thicken on its own.

"HOMEMADE" HAMBURGER HELPER

Steps:

• Start water boiling for pasta.
• Heat oil or butter in skillet.
• Add onions and garlic and saute.
• When wilted, add beef and seasonings.
• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Drain and prepare with milk, butter and cheese sauce packet.
• Set aside over low heat.
• When beef is only slightly pink, add tomatoes.
• Continue cooking till meat is done.
• Stir beef mixture into mac and cheese, add extra cheese and stir until melted.