Hamburger Helper + Helper

Prepared February 15, 2011. This reduces meat (and saturated fat) by half, replacing it with vegetables, seasonings and flavorings.

1 t vegetable oil
1/2 lb lean (85%) ground beef
2 T tomato paste
2 T dry minced onion
1/4 t crushed red pepper
1 t ground cumin
1 clove garlic, minced
1 T beef base
2-3/4 c very hot water
1/3 c frozen corn kernels
1 box Hamburger Helper® Mexican Chili Macaroni flavor

Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet, and add the beef. Cook, with frequent turning, until well browned. Stir in tomato paste, garlic, cumin, and pepper. Heat for a minute, add the hot water, dry onion, corn kernels,  beef base and the noodles and sauce from the mix. Stir, bring to a slow boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serves 2 or 3.