Let’s build homemade Hamburger Helper mixes (jar-friendly, quick to make). Each recipe fits in a quart mason jar — just add the meat and liquids when cooking.

🍲 1. Homemade Stroganoff Hamburger Helper Mix

Dry Mix Ingredients (into jar)

• 2 cups pasta (egg noodles or rotini)

• 2 tbsp beef bouillon granules

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• 1 tsp parsley (dried)

• ½ tsp black pepper

To Cook:

1. Brown 1 lb ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat.

2. Add dry mix + 2 cups water + 1 cup milk.

3. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (12–15 minutes).

4. Stir in ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end for creaminess.

🍝 2. Homemade Lasagna Hamburger Helper Mix

Dry Mix Ingredients (into jar)

• 2 cups pasta (campanelle, mafalda, or rotini)

• 2 tbsp tomato powder (or 1 bouillon cube + 2 tbsp tomato bouillon)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

• 2 tbsp dry milk powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

To Cook:

1. Brown 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage. Drain fat.

2. Add jar mix + 2 cups water + 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes.

3. Cover and simmer until pasta is cooked (12–15 minutes).

4. Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan before serving.

🍅 3. Homemade Tomato Mac Hamburger Helper Mix

Dry Mix Ingredients (into jar)

• 2 cups elbow macaroni

• 2 tbsp tomato powder (or 1 bouillon cube + 2 tbsp tomato bouillon)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ½ tsp black pepper

To Cook:

1. Brown 1 lb ground beef. Drain.

2. Add jar mix + 2½ cups water + 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce.

3. Simmer until pasta is soft (12–15 minutes).

4. Optional: stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar for creamy tomato mac.