Another Crazy Recipe I made up using whatever I had on hand.

While raising six hungry boys I learned to make up recipes by what I had in the refrigerator and pantry instead of going out to buy more groceries. Money was tight, I only worked part time and as you can imagine six boys and two adults and assorted others who showed up randomly to eat, I had to learn to be flexible. Hamburger was a staple being one of the cheaper meats to feed a hungry horde and an easy one to vary the recipe. We couldn’t afford Hamber Helper, so I came up with my own versions.

Hamburger Stroganoff with a variance.

Two pounds of Hamburger seasoned and browned. I season with Tony’s Cajun Seasoning and McCormick’s Steakhouse seasoning with extra garlic and onion powder. I used 75/25 for less grease. Drain if very greasy. I used the hamburger fat instead of adding butter to make my cheese sauce.

Boil two pounds of pasta according to directions in a separate pot. Don’t forget to salt the water.

One tablespoon of cornstarch in one cup of water. Pour into hamburger and stir (after it is browned.) Use some of the pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add in a quarter cup of dry milk and more pasta water. Keep the sauce at a medium thickness.

I would normally add sour cream, but I didn’t have any, so I substituted cottage cheese. I have even used cream cheese, salad dressing especially ranch and French onion dip. Stir in a half cup of cottage cheese or sour cream and then add in two cups of cheddar cheese. For a twist, I added a package of real bacon bits.

Since I haven’t learned to cook for two, mainly because we never know who is showing up to eat with us and with both of us working all the time now, it’s nice to have a few leftovers. Sometimes, okay, a lot of times, I get carried away and make too much.

It tastes a lot like the brand name mix but better and makes a lot more.

We will be eating this for several days.