Homeade Taco Hamburger Helper

Again, I love the taste of Hamburger Helper, but I don't like to buy it because I don't think boxed stuff like that is very healthy.  So, I developed my own Taco version.  Now, I'm sure I'll will disappoint some of you - I don't have the exact measurements of the ingredients for you.  Why?  Because I follow a pinch of this and a dash of that method of cooking.  I will however, try to give you an idea of amounts.   Also, I will also share with you two versions of the same recipe.

 

This is the cheese sauce version.

To make, you will need:
1 pound of ground beef, browned with desired amount of onion, and then drained. 
Elbow macaroni, cooked and drained.  (I will guess I sue about 2 cups cooked). 
sweet peppers - variety of colors or whatever you have on hand
Ground spices: cilantro, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, basil, and chili powder)
hot sauce
cheddar cheese

After the beef is browned and drained, add a few dashes of each spice.  I don't always add cayenne pepper.  It depends how hot I want it and who is eating it.  Then I add a few dashes of hot sauce.

Then, mix the macaroni and peppers in with the meat. Last stir in desired amount of shredded cheddar cheese.  Cover and let melt.

So, what's the other version, you ask?  It a cheesier version:

To make Cheesy Homemade Taco Hamburger Helper:

First, brown beef and onions, drain and add spices as in the first version.  Add macaroni and peppers.

Second, make a white sauce with cheese.  To do this:  Melt one tablespoon butter in a small sauce pan.  Next, add 1 tablespoon four, a dash of salt, and a dash of pepper.  Stir and cook for a minute or so.  The add the milk (not all at once).  Constantly stir until thick and bubbly.  Once it bubbles, stir for 1 to 2 minutes more.  Then add 1 cup of cubed cheese. I use Velveta.  Stir until melted.  Then add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.  Then add the cheese sauce to the browned beef and macaroni.  Yum!  Enjoy!


Love It!