The Wonderful World of Mixes

Store this mix in a tight container for up to three months without flavor loss. Keep the mix on had for a quick, economical, and tasty addition to casseroles.

Ground Beef Helper Seasoning Mix

• 1-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  
  
• 1-1/3 cups non-fat dry milk
  
  
• 3 tablespoon onion powder
  
  
• 1/3 cup chopped dry onion
  
  
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  
  
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
  
  
• 2 teaspons monosodium glutamate (optional)
  
  
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes

Mix all ingredients. Makes 2-1/2 cups of mix. Depending on taste, use 1/2 to 2/3 cup of the Seasoning Mix for each pound of hamburger.

Macaroni Casserole (5 servings)

• 1 lb. hamburger
  
  
• 1-1/2 cups to 2 cups water
  
  
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Seasoning Mix
  
  
• 1 cup macaroni

Brown one pound of hamburger in a heavy frying pan with a lid. Drain off the excess fat. To the meat in the frying pan add water, macaroni, and Seasoning Mix. Bring to a boil and stir. Cover and let simmer 15 - 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. If macaroni starts to stick to pan, add more water. Uncover. Simmer until excess water is evaporated.

*Carrots for color*
Follow the Macaroni Casserole recipe and add two carrots that have been peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch slices. The carrots are added alon with the water, macraroni, and Seasoning Mix.

Rice Casserole (5 Servings)

• 1-1/2 to 2 cups water
  
  
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tea. Seasoning Mix
  
  
• 1-1/2 cups quick cooking rice (or 3/4 c. reg. rice)

Brown one pound of hamburger in a heavy frying pan with a lid. Drain off the excess fat. To the meat in the frying pan add water, rice and Seasoning Mix. Bring to a boil and stir. Cover and let simmer 15-20 minutes. Stir occassionally. If the rice sticks to the pan, add more water. Uncover and simmer until ecess water has evaporated.

Hamburger Noodle Skillet (4-6 servings)

• 1 lb. Hamburger, browned and drained
  
  
• 1 cup cooked noodles
  
  
• 1 8-ounce can of seasoned tomato sauce
  
  
• 1-8 oz can mixed vegetables
  
  
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp American cheese
  
  
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley

After browning and draining hamburger in a heavy frying pan, add tomato sauce, and noodles. Mix thoroughly. Warm through and add mixed vegetables until warm. Sprinkle cheese and parsley over the top. Do not stir. Cover and heat just long enough to melt cheese. Serve from the skillet.

Patti Chadwick has been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years. Over the years she's learned how to save time and money in food preparation by using a variety of Master Mixes. Patti is also a freelance writer and founder of History's Women, www.historyswomen.com, an on-line magazine highlighting the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history.

Share your thoughts about this article with the editor: Click Here

Take the Next Step:

• Find grocery savings at CoolSavings.com with grocery coupons, discount codes and money saving tips!
• For all things "Groceries & Food," please visit www.stretcher.com

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips @stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

If you liked this article sign up for our free eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times Do it today and we'll give you our ebook featuring over 200 ways to save on groceries (a $19.95 value).

Follow The Dollar Stretcher on Twitter.

I Would like to:

• Read other articles on this topic
  
• See what else is in this issue
  
• Subscribe to "The Dollar Stretcher" free weekly email newsletter
  
• visit the Problem Solving Center
  
• visit the Reference Library
  
• browse the 'author' index
  
• search 'by date' index
  
• check out Past Issues of Newsletter
  
• go see 'What's New'
  
• "Can You Help This Reader?"
  
• drop by 'Tips, Quips & Quotes'
  
• send email to the Editor of "The Dollar Stretcher"