BACK TO LIVING FREELY

With a new school year right around the corner, anticipation is running high for all of those after school activities. Between juggling band practice and soccer tryouts with creating a hearty home cooked meal, it often feels like making a separate meal for the kids is just out of the question. Or, it's just too much to think about, so you just eat those frozen tater tots too. Toss in gluten-free and it becomes an impossible task to satisfy the experienced palates of mom and dad and make the kids clean their plate. Or, at least that's what it used to be like!

With the help of the new Betty Crocker® Hamburger Helper® Classic, its easy to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. I may be just a tad too young for kids, but don't think that means I don't deal with picky eaters every day. In fact, I have friends who refuse to eat anything that has come near a mushroom and another friend that won't eat anything with citrus. So, how do you have people over or feed the kids without cooking several separate meals? The answer's simple. Semi-Homemade Meals. Start with a base and either serve it plain or add to it.

Hamburger Helper® is a childhood staple for most people whether or not they're on a gluten-free diet today. It's filled with a delicious cheese sauce that perfectly complements the ground meat and potatoes. For kids, or any picky diner, its the perfect quick-cook meal. But for people craving a little more oomph in their dinner, its as easy as tossing in some veggies and a little spice to make this easy semi-homemade meal a five star dish.

Below is my favorite upscale version of the classic Hamburger Helper® Classic. It's a Portabella & Spinach Hamburger Pie that calls for just a hint of cumin to spice up the mix. If you like your food spicy, add in a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes. Copy my recipe or spice it up in your own way with whatever tickles your taste buds!

Portabella & Spinach Hamburger Pie
Makes 4 servings



• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 

• 1 yellow onion, diced in small pieces

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 pound portabella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 2/3 cups hot water

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 box Hamburger Helper® Classic Cheesy Hashbrowns

• 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh spinach
• 2/3 cup milk
• Salt and Pepper, to taste




1. In a large non-stick skillet, heat olive oil. Add yellow onion, garlic and portabella mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned, about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. 


2. Add in ground beef, hot water, butter, cumin and uncooked potatoes from the Hamburger Helper® box. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture boils. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. 



3. Reduce heat to medium and press potatoes, beef and vegetables into an even stack. Cook Uncovered 8-10 minutes without stirring or turning until liquid is absorbed and most of the bottom is brown. 



4. In a separate bowl, stir milk and cheese topping mix together with a fork. Set aside. 



5. Preheat oven broiler. Carefully put the pie under the broiler for 3-4 minutes until the top of begins to brown. 



6. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and pour the topping over the skillet. Sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese for an added kick. 


Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Vanessa at Vanessa.Maltin@gmail.com.

We thought you'd enjoy what these bloggers have to say, so we wanted to share! To make our lawyers happy, however, we offer a friendly reminder. The opinions expressed by the bloggers on this site are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of General Mills or any employee thereof. General Mills is not responsible for the accuracy of information supplied by bloggers included on LiveGlutenFreely.com Also, please remember that none of this constitutes medical advice, so be sure to check with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.