Oh boy, it’s been a long day, hasn’t it? And yet, here we are, smack-dab at the tail end of it and the troops are hankering for a hearty dinner. Let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill – I’ve got just the trick to whip up a satisfying meal without breaking a sweat! Drumroll, please…enter the ever-reliable, always delightful Hamburger Helper.
Don’t roll your eyes; our old-time ally deserves some recognition. With a little creative twist and a sprinkle of love, this box of convenience can be the lifeline in your culinary hour of need. I mean, who wouldn’t want a hot plateful of deliciousness hitting the table, almost faster than you can say hamburger?
First things first – fling open your pantry and grab that box of joy. Now, you’re gonna need some ground beef but don’t sweat, if you’re fresh out, you can always substitute with chicken or turkey. And let’s be honest, aren’t we always looking to sneak in some greens? Well, here’s a clever twist – a handful of frozen peas or that half bell pepper sulking in the corner can jump right into the ride.
In my kitchen, everything gets jazzed up with a sprinkle of extra cheese. It’s like waving a magic wand over the dinner! And presto change-O, an ordinary meal turns spectacular!
In no time flat, you have a meal that’s piping hot, and ready to be devoured. So, let Hamburger Helper play the hero in tonight’s dinner narrative. Trust me, smacking lips and satiated palates are just a few stirs away. Remember dearies, sometimes, the best quick meals come straight out of a box!
Let’s Make It!
- Start off by heating a large skillet on medium heat.
- While it’s warming up, fetch around a pound of ground beef, chicken, or turkey – depending on what you have on hand.
- Throw the meat into the hot skillet, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns.
- Once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, drain the grease from the skillet.
- Now, it’s time to add your peas or chopped bell pepper, or any quick-cook veggies you fancy, stirring them into the meat.
- With the veggies mingling with the meat, grab that Hamburger Helper box.
- Pour in the pasta and seasoning mix, followed by the amount of milk and water stated on the box.
- Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and everything’s well combined.
- After your little mixing exercise, let it come to a simmer.
- Once simmering, drop the heat to low, pop a cover on the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese on top, if you’re a fellow cheese-lover like me.
- Cover again for another minute or two, until the cheese is beautifully melted.
- Before you know it, dinner is served! Plate it up and dig into a meal that didn’t blow up your kitchen – or your evening!
- Don’t forget to enjoy the surprised and delighted faces around you as they chomp down on your deceptively easy masterpiece.
That Was Quick!