Hamburger Helper My Way

Step 1

Brown the meat in a medium sized skillet.

Step 2

Do not add water to it unless there isn't enough fat in the meat.

Step 3

If water is needed, add very little.

Step 4

Bring the 3 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan.

Step 5

Add the packet of macaroni.

Step 6

Boil until the macaroni is done and tender.

Step 7

When the meat is done, drain the grease from the skillet and return skillet to the burner.

Step 8

Don't remove the meat from the skillet.

Step 9

Drain the water from the macaroni and rinse with hot water.

Step 10

Add the macaroni to the meat and stir.

Step 11

Lower the burner to medium.

Step 12

In a shaker bottle or large cup, mix the half and half and the 1/2 cup water.

Step 13

Add the packet of sauce mix/powder and shake vigorously or stir in cup very well, until sauce mix/powder is completely dissolved and there are no lumps in it.

Step 14

With one hand, slowly add the sauce mixture to the hamburger mixture, while stirring constantly with the other hand.

Step 15

Stir constantly so that it doesn't start to stick to the bottom of the skillet.

Step 16

Sauce will start to thicken.

Step 17

Continue stirring constantly.

Step 18

You might need to lower the heat again.

Step 19

Once sauce has somewhat thickened, remove from heat and let stand.

Step 20

The sauce will completely thicken on its own.