words by: Merissa A. Alink

 

You know that boxed pasta mix that you buy at the store to go with beef, chicken, or even tuna? Yes, you know what I mean…I call it the idea box.

Basically, it takes something boring (meat) and adds flavors and extras to make it one simple meal that’s easy to make and perfect for the nights when you feel uninspired to make supper. Plus, I love that it’s a “one dish” meal. Less cleanup!

We have something like that at our house too, but we don’t buy it from the store; it comes right out of my pantry. It’s cheaper to make than the boxed version and I can put together more of it at any time. Keep a few jars of this in your own pantry for quick, easy-to-throw-together meals when you need them.

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Hamburger Helper Mix

What You Need: 

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch arrowroot powder, or flour
• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni

Mix Instructions: 

Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl until the spices are blended, then pour into a jar or bag. This recipe will fit into a pint-size mason jar or a quart storage bag.

Hamburger Help Recipe:

When you are ready to make a meal, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Add one batch of the mix into the skillet and pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of water. Simmer until pasta is cooked through. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.

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Beef Stroganoff Mix

What You Need: 

• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon minced onion

Mix Instructions: 

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until the spices are blended, then pour into a bag or jar.

Beef Stroganoff Recipe:

When you are ready to make a meal, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet. Add 1 cup of chopped fresh mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are browned as well. Pour one batch of mix into the skillet and add 2 cups of milk or beef stock. Let the mixture simmer until the pasta is cooked through. Add 1/2 cup of sour cream just before serving.

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Discover more DYI projects like this by visiting www.littlehouseliving.com