When my kids were young, one of their favorite things to have for dinner was Hamburger Helper. Back then it was easier for me, mom of three, to buy things like Hamburger Helper. They were inexpensive and easy to make especially during the week. Nowadays, I like to recreate things from scratch instead of buying premade foods. It’s not only healthier but it is a challenge for me. I love to be challenged in the kitchen.
The other night, I took out a pound of ground beef for dinner. I asked Scott what he thought I should make for dinner and he said Hamburger Helper Stroganoff. The challenge was on. I thought about what was is stroganoff first. Beef tenderloin, mushrooms, cognac and sour cream are the major players but who has the money for tenderloin and cognac. First, kids would prefer the ground beef and second, they don’t need the cognac. I gathered the other players for my recipe and got started. It came out thick, creamy and full of flavor. Your kids will love it more than the box, I promise.
Here’s how I made it……
Serves 4 – 6
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2T butter
1 small onion chopped
8 oz button mushrooms sliced
3 garlic cloves minced
1T dried dill weed
1T dijon mustard
1 can beef consomme
1/2c sour cream
1/4c parmesan
1 small package wide egg noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, salt and pepper and thoroughly brown it. If using lean ground beef, add 2T veg oil. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Add the butter and onions to the pan. Cook until the onions are soft, about 6 – 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic to the pan and cook until the mushrooms are browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the dill, salt and pepper. Add the mustard and consomme and scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the beef back to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
Add salt to the pot of water, then add the noodles and cook according to directions. Drain reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Take the skillet off the heat, add the sour cream and parmesan and stir to combine well. Add the noodles and combine for a minute or so. If too thick add a little of the pasta water at a time until it is creamy.