I'm just a busy wife and mom who loves to cook (and hates to clean up afterward), balancing the many hats I wear and trying to look cool, calm, and collected while doing it...

Oh, and I rarely measure anything when I cook, so consider yourself warned. Love good food. Try new things. Eat to your heart's content.

Monday, May 7, 2012

"Hamburger Helper".... Unboxed!


My husband LOVES Hamburger Helper. He asks for it all the time.

Nas-Tay! It totally grosses me out... and I don't want to serve that to my kids.

So, I made up my own version.

And it's easy.... and fast!

You could probably change up the seasonings to give it different flavors , but tonight we went with "Cheesy Taco".

Homemade "Hamburger Helper"

1 Lb. Ground Beef or Turkey
2 Tbsp (or one envelope) Taco Seasoning (you can make your own of this too, but I just use the kind with no MSG 'cause I'm lazy.)
1 Tbsp Onion Soup Mix
2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp. 21 Seasoning Salute (Salt Free Seasoning From Trader Joe's... you can sub another salt free seasoning if you want, or just add a little extra pepper.)
1/2 tsp. pepper
Seasoning Salt to taste (I just used a little sprinkle, so I have no clue how much to tell you...)
1 1/2 cups Fat Free Half and Half, or Milk
4 oz Light Cream Cheese
1 cup Shredded Cheese (I used Cheddar-Jack) + 1/4 cup more for the top
1/4 Grated Parmesan Cheese
12 oz. Wide Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add you noodles.

Cook the meat in a large-ish skillet with all of the seasonings until the meat is browned and cooked through. Add the half and half/milk, cream cheese, Cheddar-Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese.  Let it cook until cheeses are all melted. When your noodles are done, drain them and add them to your meat/cheese sauce, and stir until all the noodles are coated. You can add an extra splash of milk if you think it needs to be creamier. Top with 1/4 cup of cheese, and cover, until the cheese is melted.

The End.... You're Welcome.

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