Homemade Hamburger Helper

Rainy days mean we rediscover long-lost childhood favorite comfort food. Try this modified hamburger helper for all our gluten, dairy-free friends. 1 lb ground beef/ ground turkey 1 cup hot water 2 cups rice milk 1 1/2 cup gluten-free penne or farfalle 1 tbs corn starch 1 tablespoon onion powder *Optional* 1 teaspoon garlic *Optional* 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar *Optional* 1/2 teaspoon pepper and a dash of Worcestershire sauce Instead, you can use chopped onion and garlic, add salt to taste, and completely leave out the corn starch. This alone will drop your calorie per serving from 280 to 200, and my sodium intake from 790 mg to 133.5 mg!

Here’s the Step to Step: Saute your onion and garlic, once sautéed to your desire add and brown the ground beef. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add in your water, followed by your milk. Then add your pasta and the rest of your ingredients. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer the mixture on low for approximately 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so your noodles or sauce doesn’t burn. Check and make sure your pasta is tender, once the pasta is cooked to your desired tenderness. turn off your head and uncover letting your mixture stand for about 5 minutes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-on or take out any ingredients you wish!! If you find the hamburger helper is too 'runny' for your taste try adding the corn starch or replacing 1 cup of milk for 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese. Another option is to add flour in at small amounts stirring until it reaches the right consistency desired. Bon Appétit