What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!

This seasoning mix is a great way to add some flavor to your ground beef. With just a few ingredients, you can have a meal that will remind you of your favorite childhood dish!
2 cups nonfat dry milk, instant
1 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup chicken or beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoons dry onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To Use:
Chili Mac: Brown 1 lb. of ground beef in a deep skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add 1 cup water, 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, 30 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp chili powder and 1/2 cup seasoning mix. Bring just to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook, covered, for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Ground Beef Stroganoff: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a deep skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add 2 cups water, 1/2 cup seasoning mix, and 2 cups uncooked egg noodles; stir well. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until noodles are tender. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve immediately.
Label the container with the preparation date (and expiration date, if desired) and the contents for easy identification.
Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly combine all the ingredients.
Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if you prefer more or less of certain herbs or spices.
For a richer flavor, try toasting the dry onion flakes before adding them to the mix.
Try different pasta shapes for variety when making the Chili Mac.
For the Ground Beef Stroganoff, make sure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
You can use regular dry (whole) milk powder, but it may alter the nutritional content slightly.
The bouillon granules contribute to the salt content. You can look for low-sodium bouillon to reduce the salt level.
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix can last for several months.
Yes, you can customize the mix by adding spices like paprika, cumin, or curry powder.
Dried herbs are needed so the recipe can be stored at room temperature. Fresh herbs can be used in the individual recipes as they are cooked.
You can use this seasoning mix with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes.
Yes, this mix is versatile and can be used in various dishes for added flavor. You can get creative with it.
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
Beer makes batters better, meat more tender, and sauces more flavorful.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
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reviews & comments
July 2, 2013
I agree, too salty. I cut the salt down and used low sodium bouillon powder. Made the cheeseburger casserole with it.
December 22, 2011
Good but too salty. I'll cut the salt in half next time. Otherwise, very tasty. I used 1/2 low sodium chicken bullion and 1/2 regular beef bullion. To make it cheesy mac, I added about 2 oz low fat cheese and a splash of milk at the end. My son loved it, although he thought it wasn't the "right color".
January 30, 2010
The overall flavor is really good. But it's EXTREMELY salty! I wouldn't add any extra salt at all: you get saltiness from the bouillon, cheese, seasonings, and meat.
April 7, 2009
A little too much chili powder and a little salty for my taste, but that was mellowed by serving it with big crusty buns.
October 1, 2007
I've never bought Hamburger Helper because I try not to buy processed foods so I don't know if this tastes the same but it was very good. I made the cheesburger one after I mixed up the ingredients and it went over very well.