Hamburger Helper is often a staple for the frugal family. However, as the prices of ground beef (or ground chuck) and the prices of the quick, easy, Helper flavors continue to rise, you may save more money making your own versions of this simple, frugal favorite.
Ground meat costs an average of $2.20 per pound and up and Hamburger Helper generally costs $2.00 and up, for a total of anywhere from 4-5 dollars. That’s if you don’t serve anything with it. For the same amount of money, you can make your own “helpers” and serve a side dish.
Try some of these variations:
Chili Mac
- 1 pound of ground beef, ground chuck, or ground turkey
- 1 can seasoned chili beans
- 1 regular box of macaroni and cheese
Brown and drain ground meat and mix in chili beans. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions and combine with meat and bean mixture. Simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently. Serve with cornbread.
*Another alternative is to skip the ground beef and mix a can of chili with prepared mac and cheese.
Cheesy Pasta with Beef and Tomatoes
- 1 pound of ground beef, chuck, or turkey
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (not drained)
- 1 regular box of macaroni and cheese
Brown and drain ground meat and mix in tomatoes. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions and combine with meat and tomatoes. Heat up a can of green beans or serve with bread and butter.
Pizza Bake
- 1 pound of ground beef, chuck, or turkey
- 1 small can seasoned tomato sauce (or cheap pizza sauce)
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Brown and drain ground meat. Prepare pasta according to package directions and mix with tomato sauce. Stir in ground meat and pour into a casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano or Parmesan cheese if desired. Bake at 350 until cheese is melted. Serve with house brand canned biscuits.