Budget bite: how to make hamburger helper stroganoff on a shoestring

Are you craving a comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Hamburger Helper Stroganoff! This classic recipe gets a delicious upgrade with the addition of tangy sour cream and savory mushrooms, creating a creamy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5 oz) box Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 oz) can golden mushroom soup
• 1 (16 oz) container sour cream
• 1 (8 oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the Soup Mixes: Stir in the contents of the Hamburger Helper box, cream of mushroom soup, and golden mushroom soup. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream and simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Add the Mushrooms and Onion: Add the drained mushrooms and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

6. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the stroganoff and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper to your liking.

7. Serve Warm: Ladle the Hamburger Helper Stroganoff into bowls and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Stroganoff

• Use a Good Quality Ground Beef: The quality of the ground beef will impact the flavor of your stroganoff. Opt for a lean ground beef with at least 80% lean meat.

• Don’t Overcook the Beef: Cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, but don’t overcook it, as this will make it tough.

• Use Creamy Sour Cream: The sour cream adds a creamy richness to the stroganoff. Use a full-fat sour cream for the best flavor.

• Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your stroganoff, such as chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

• Serve with Noodles or Rice: Hamburger Helper Stroganoff can be served over egg noodles, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

Variations

• Creamy Chicken Stroganoff: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Beef and Sausage Stroganoff: Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a more flavorful dish.
• Spicy Stroganoff: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give your stroganoff a kick.
• Cheesy Stroganoff: Top the stroganoff with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese before serving.

The Final Touch

Hamburger Helper Stroganoff is a versatile and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and savory mushrooms, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

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Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use condensed soup instead of cream of mushroom and golden mushroom soups?

A: Yes, you can use two (10.75 oz) cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup instead.

Q: How can I thicken the stroganoff sauce?

A: Add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to the sauce while stirring constantly.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for sour cream?

A: You can use plain Greek yogurt or a mixture of milk and lemon juice.