Nearly Hamburger Helper Mix

2 cup powdered milk
1 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup beef bouillon
2 tablespoon onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder

Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Use Mix as a base for the following dinners. This makes enough for 8 meals. Use this mix to make the following meals:

Beef Potato Casserole

1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
3/4 cup water
6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1/2 cup Nearly Hamburger Helper Mix

Combine all ingredients and simmer covered until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove cover and simmer until excess liquid has evaporated.

Beef Stroganoff

1 pound ground beef
2 cups water
1/2 cup Nearly Hamburger Helper Mix
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
1/2 cup sour cream
1 jar mushrooms, optional

Brown and drain ground beef. Add all ingredients, except sour cream. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until noodles are tender. Stir in sour cream, heat and serve.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

1 pound ground beef
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup Nearly Hamburger Helper Mix
3/4 cup elbow macaroni
3/4 cup cheese powder
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Brown and drain ground beef. Add the other ingredients and simmer until macaroni is tender and sauce has thickened, about 25 minutes.

Note: Use three packages of boxed macaroni and cheese for the cheese powder.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. Chili Mac 1 pound ground beef
1 cup water
1/2 cup macaroni
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 cup Nearly Hamburger Helper Mix

Brown and drain ground beef. Add rest of ingredients and simmer 20 minutes or until macaroni is cooked to your liking. Easy Lasagna 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup Nearly Hamburger Helper Mix
2 cups water
16 ounce tomato sauce
3 cups lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into pieces
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Combine all except the mozzarella cheese in a large skillet. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked. Top with Mozzarella cheese. Cover and remove from heat. Serve when cheese is melted.

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These recipes may be freely distributed with the following information:

Leslie Sausage lives with her husband in rural Texas. She is the mom of four grown children, a freelance writer, and has a degree in business administration. You are invited to visit her online for more creative, practical and fun ideas -- http://heart4home.net.