Hamburger Helper

I used to love Hamburger Helper until I realized what a mess of chemicals it is.  So when I found a recipe for home made Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper on the internet I needed to try doing a version of the regular one.  (My version is dairy free and gluten free.)  You can prepare a bunch of premade packages ahead of time just put the pasta in one bag and the spice mix in another.  Then all you have to do is add the browned ground beef and the wet ingredients and it is just like the boxed mix, ready to go in a moments notice!

1 pound of ground meat (I use chicken but you can use turkey or beef)
1 1/2 cups of pasta (I use rice pasta shells)
2 cups of milk (I use almond milk)
1 cup of water
2 tbsp corn starch
1 tbsp dried onion
1 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt

Brown the ground meat in a frying pan.  Add pasta, water and milk.  Sprinkle in the mixture of spices and cornstarch.  Stir to combine and bring to a boil.  Once it is boiling turn it down to medium-low and put a cover on the pan.  Let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.  Sometimes I have to take the lid off for the last few minutes to get the sauce to thicken to the consistency that I prefer.

I took a picture of the final product but it didn't turn out very good and the meal is already eaten so I will give you some pictures taken by the boys with my phone.  You never know what kind of pictures they will take of themselves when they get a hold of an unlocked phone.