Hamburger Helper Seasoning Mix

I personally do not use Hamburger Helper, but if you use it on a regular basis, you can save money buy making the mix yourself.    Here is the recipe:

Hamburger Helper Seasoning Mix

1 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/3 cups non-fat dry milk

3 tablespoons onion powder

1/3 cup chopped dry onion

1 tablespoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules

1 tablespoons dried parsley flakes

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar.  Makes 2 1/2 cups.  Use 1/2 to 2/3 cup for each pound of ground beef.

Hamburger Macaroni Casserole

1 lb. ground beef

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon seasoning mix (above)

1 cup macaroni noodles

Brown one pound of hamburger in a heavy frying pan with a lid.  Drain off the excess fat.  To the meat in the frying pan, add water, macaroni and seasoning mix.  Bring to a boil and stir.  Cover and let simmer 15-20 minutes.   Stir occasionally.  If macaroni begins to stick to the pan, add more water.  Uncover.  Simmer until excess water is evaporated.

You can also add carrots (which have been peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch slices) when you add the water, macaroni and seasoning mix.