Homemade Hamburger Helper

Weeknights are crazy busy sometimes (OK--almost always!), so I like to have some quick meals that we can whip up, but we've been stuck in a rut lately.  One new thing I tried lately was a homemade version of Hamburger Helper.  The store bought stuff, though convenient, is full of preservatives and it doesn't make enough to serve a bigger family like mine. 

We make our own version using 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef and one pound of elbow macaroni along with some common pantry items.  It's super easy,  it's plenty for our family (and there's even a little for leftovers for lunch) and it's healthier and cheaper.  My goal was to make it flavorful, but not spicy.  Even my picky son likes this version! 

Homemade Hamburger Helper

serves 8

Ingredients

1.5 pounds lean ground beef
1 pound box of elbow macaroni
5 cups of water
2 cups of milk
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 Tablespoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
optional - shredded cheddar cheese or sour cream for topping

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.  While it's cooking, mix the cornstarch and all the spices in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Drain the cooked beef and return it to the hot skillet.  Add the box of dry pasta and sprinkle the spice mix over the meat and macaroni.
3. Pour the 5 cups of water and 2 cups of milk into the skillet and mix well.
4. Cover and simmer on medium heat until the pasta is al dente (about 8-10 minutes), stirring frequently. If your skillet doesn't have a lid, cover it with a double layer of foil (just be careful removing it so you don't burn yourself). If the pasta is tender and there is still a lot of liquid, let it simmer uncovered for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Take a taste test bite--add more seasoning if needed.
6. Top with shredded cheese or sour cream, if desired, and serve.  :)

 Variations:
-To add more veggies, use one less cup of water and replace it with an 8 oz. can of tomato sauce.  You can also add 1 cup of corn and/or canned chopped tomatoes.  This makes it more like a chili.

-Try making it with ground turkey, or one pound each of lean beef and ground turkey.
-Make it even easier next time by making a few batches of the spice mixture ahead of time--keep it in Ziptop baggies taped to boxes of macaroni.