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+ servings

Moroccan Homemade Hamburger Helper

Spice up your next hamburger helper meal with this recipe!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Servings - 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp tumeric
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1 lb. ground meat beef, turkey, chicken, pork, whatever suits your fancy
  • 4 cups hot water I boil it in a kettle, but you can use hot tap water
  • 1/2 lb. short pasta bow ties, macaroni or other
  • 5-7 dried apricots roughly chopped (or whatever dried fruit you prefer)
  • 2 Tbsp sesame seeds lightly toasted on a pan (or chopped nuts)
  • 1 Tbsp honey

Carrot Ribbon Salad

  • 2 medium carrots
  • 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 Tbsp lime juice
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 Tbsp cilantro finely diced
  • 1/2 tsp honey
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Combine the cornstarch and spices in a small bowl.
  • Add oil to a large skillet.
  • When hot, cook the diced onions until translucent.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned through. Drain excess fat.
  • Sprinkle the spices over the meat. Add the hot water and the pasta.
  • Stir to thoroughly combine. Cook for 15 minutes or so, until all the water is absorbed, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the chopped apricots, honey and sesame seeds and cook for an additional minute.
  • Serve with a salad. I made the carrot ribbon salad below.

Carrot Ribbon Salad

  • Scrub carrots and then use a peeler to create carrot ribbons.
  • I blanche my carrots as my son and husband are allergic to raw carrots, but you can just use them raw.
  • In a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients into a dressing.
  • Pour just enough dressing over the carrots to coat, but not so it drips.