Healthy "Hamburger Helper" Recipe

Convenient boxed meals have been around for a long time and have been served by families looking for a quick and easy meal. However, many of these meals contain additives such as MSG that are generally not considered healthy.

As a working mother, I try to avoid processed foods but am always searching for quick and easy recipes. I recently came across a recipe for Unprocessed "Hamburger Helper" on www.3boysunprocessed.com that has nothing but real ingredients in it. I made it last night and it was a big hit in my house. It is a recipe that I will certainly make again as it was simple to make and required very few ingredients. Here is my version of the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef ( I used venison. Ground turkey or vegetarian crumbles would work as well)
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked whole wheat pasta (any shape)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp mixed seasoning (I used 21 Seasoning Salute by Trader Joe's)
  • 3/4 cup cheddar cheese cubed or shredded 
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

  1. Brown beef in skillet and drain. Take pan off burner and add pasta, spices, flour, and cheese.
  2. Stir in milk and water, mix ingredients to combine. Return to burner over medium-high heat.
  3. Bring mixture just to a boil, then reduce heat to a light simmer. Stir frequently.
  4. Place a lid over the skillet, and allow to simmer until pasta is cooked, about 10-15 minutes stirring frequently and adjusting heat as needed.
  5. Garnish with additional shredded cheese if desired.

This recipe makes 4 servings.