hamburger helper all grown-up

Did you have hamburger helper as a kid growing up?  If you did I have to tell you I am a little jealous.  I always wanted my mom to make us hamburger helper, but she just never did.  Ever since I have been a little obsessed with it and now I have made a homemade version that is even better than the box…just trust me, it really is.

I still remember my first time

The very first time I EVER had hamburger helper was my freshman year in college.  I walked into a friends house and they were making dinner.  It smelled amazing and I couldn’t wait to see what they had whipped up and let me tell you I was so excited to find out it was hamburger helper.

I will never forget how they laughed and laughed when I couldn’t stop ooohing and awwwwing over how much I was loving hamburger helper.  I didn’t care though, this was my chance to have hamburger helper and I was enjoying every bite.

Needless to say that was not my last box of hamburger helper, but now I will never use the box again.

Breaking away from the box

As much as I love my treasured box of hamburger helper over the last few years I have wanted to find a way to recreate this favorite dish from scratch, that way I know everything that’s in it.  I don’t know about you, but I always wondered about the powder that all of a sudden transformed into yummy goodness…I just wanted to know what was in it.

Don’t be fooled, it took several attempts before I found a version that The Hubby and I both loved.  Finally I have found the perfect blend of spices, milk and a little extra surprise, sour cream, to make a rich and creamy homemade hamburger helper that everyone is sure to LOVE!!

No box needed!!

[mpprecipe-recipe:280]

Lightening it up a bit

If you want to lighten this dish up a bit you could use ground turkey or chicken.  You could also use skim milk (I used low fat in the recipe info).  Another option is to use reduced fat cheese and reduced fat sour cream.  You can also replace the macaroni with a whole wheat version.  Just know the result may be a little less thick, but it will still be delicious.

I hope this homemade kid (& adult) favorite will make it onto your menu very soon!

PS…It comes together super quick making it perfect for dinner tonight!!