Yes, I know Homemade Hamburger Helper is an oxymoron. I realize Hamburger Helper was suppose to help the cook so they did not have to have everything homemade. However, Hamburger Helper is not exactly a recipe worthy of publishing on a food blog. However, Hamburger Helper was such a 1970’s food item, I could not leave it out.
Hamburger Helper became very popular after it debuted in 1971. I think some of its popularity had to do with the cute hand they used to market it ( just my opinion). I am also sure that its popularity had to do with the relatively low price of ground beef, convenience and the variety it offered.
Beef Stroganoff is my all time favorite flavor of Hamburger Helper. Thus, I decided to give you my version of a quicker Hamburger Stroganoff. I used several recipes for inspiration, but this one is my creation to suit my tastes.
Recipe: Hamburger Stroganoff
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. wide dried noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, diced or dry equivalent
- 2 Tbsp. butter 1 c. beef stock, unsalted
- 1 Tbsp. flour
- 1 Tbsp. ketchup
- 2 tsp. season salt
- 1/2 lb. sauteed mushrooms, or 1 jar mushrooms
- 1 to 1 1/2 c. sour cream
Instructions
- Cook noodles as directed on package.
- Meanwhile, brown ground beef and drain if necessary.
- Add onion and cook until tender.
- Add butter, beef stock, flour ketchup, and salt.
- Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add mushrooms and cook for 3 -5 minutes more on low-medium.
- Add sour cream and cook until sauce is hot.
- Serve over noodles.
Even without using Hamburger Helper, this dish does not take long to make. I used much less salt, whole grain noodles, and organic dairy including fresh sour cream. Plus, I could limit the sour cream for my dairy-allergic husband 🙂