Stretching the Dinner Dollars
While Scott and I choose to make (some) frugal choices now, there was a time when watching our pennies was a necessity. I shopped with coupons and stretched each paycheck as much as possible while making a lot of ground beef meals. The goal was to pay off the credit cards. As a young couple, money was a concern. At the time, the only way to get a lower interest rate on a credit card was to open a new one when a better offer arrived in the mail. The introductory rate was exceptionally low and by continuing to pay the “minimum balance” we were accustomed to, we were able to apply what we were saving in interest directly to the principle. We surfed our credit card balance regularly to take advantage of the float and promotions and with each new card, we closed out and cut up the prior card. Before we knew it, our credit card debts were within reason and we were able to pay off our credit cards every month.
While our credit card strategy helped us dwindle the debt, the day-to-day spending was also a concern. The one place that I was able to feel like I was really winning was at the grocery store. Thanks to manufacturer and store coupons, rebates and promotions, I was able to stock up on prepackaged foods and household goods then watch the weekly sales for produce, meat and other perishables. Cereals were a big one for us because we could multi-purpose those products into recipes other than just breakfast. Desserts, meatloaf and more. Another staple was Hamburger Helper.
And it still is.
Why do we still buy it? Aside from the fact that it is an easy family dinner, only uses one pan and is affordable, we like the taste of their ground beef meals. There are a variety of flavors that utilize beef, but also have chicken and tuna options as well. We regularly find coupons for Hamburger Helper, but there is currently a rebate that really stands out: Free Ground Beef. It’s really easy to take advantage off. Visit your local grocer, purchase three Helper products (Hamburger, Chicken or Tuna) along with ground beef then send in the rebate form to receive a check for the purchase price of 1 lb of ground beef.
Of course, the economics of the product is only part of the benefit, There are a lot of flavor choices for easy preparation as well as several that can be a base for something else. While we enjoy the Four Cheese Lasagna by itself topped with a little garlic salt and Parmesan cheese, we purchased a hashbrown variety that we’ll add to some scrambled eggs and use to make breakfast burritos. The combinations are limited only by your imagination. Want to add some vegetables? Do. Like some fresh cheese mixed in? Grate it up. Prefer to bake it instead of making on the stove top? Go ahead.
Do you use Hamburger Helper as directed on the box or as a base to create a custom recipe?
I love that they have a variety of combination and food looks delicious on judging for the pictures.
I OD’d on Hamburger Helper as a kid. Now that I’m the mom, I never make it and opt for healthier dinner options. Sorry to be a party pooper here. 🙂
Hamburgers have always been a yum yum. Thanks for this insightful post. Should try sometime. 🙂
I have been making a lot of Hamburger Helper meals lately because I found them for $1 at The Dollar Tree and a discount grocery store here in town. My kids love them. I cannot believe how far they have come since I was a kid–such variety now. Thanks for sharing.
We can’t eat them due to tons of allergies in our family, but I do sometimes wish that we could have something as quick and simple to throw together as those box meals are.
Wow! That is a great deal! It costs less than the coupon/rebate to buy 3 boxes of Hamburger Helper, and it sure makes dinner quick and easy!
I almost bought a box of Hamburger Helper today–yes I do like it but Mac & Cheese was on sale! (Yes, I have been known to throw some hamburger in there as well) I have hamburger in the apartment and really don’t need any more right now. Once it goes on sale or I find a coupon-whichever comes sooner I’m getting some Hamburger Helper–or maybe I’ll get the Tuna Helper for a change of pace.
That is definitely stretching your dollar! Our grocery bill is our biggest expense.
I’ve been making HH since my kids were little! I still like it too! I used to prepare it as directed, but now I usually twist it a bit.
Hamburger helpers is a stable for our Monday dinners. My kids love the different flavors that it comes in, and sometimes we also add our “own” extras into the mixture as well.
Hamburger Helper is so easy to make and the kids love it. It makes life much easier for Working Moms like me who don’t necessarily have a lot of time to spend cooking in the kitchen.
My husband has a love affair with Hamburger Helper. He brought it into our marriage with him, and to his boxed love has remained true. 😉 I think it was in college he must have developed a taste for it. I’ve never seen him mom make it. 🙂
Wow! I don’t think that we have these in the UK! I have heard of them but always imagined that they were a device to make hamburgers!! Shows how you take a name and run with it 😉 Will be googling to see if these are available over here as I especially your idea for the breakfast burritos! x
Hi Nicole, Yes, when I we used to buy Hamburger Helper for all the same great reasons – and it was pretty tasty – It’s fun that there seems to always be a new choice for different flavors! And it’s great that you’ve put up the Amazon link to help make it easier for us to purchase at a great price – – thank you 🙂
I have never had hamburger helper before I will have to try it now. It looks so good
It’s been a good long while since we’ve made Hamburger Helper. I need to find out if they still make the potato stroganoff flavor. That was my favorite!
I am loving this post. I really enjoy getting the kids in the kitchen with me and this sounds like a great one to try out with them!
I need a non-pasta hamburger helper. My husband doesn’t really care for it.
I follow the recipe on the box and I confess I really like some of them
Hamburger Helpers are really great when you’ve just had a baby.
Now I need to find out where to find it!
Yum!
I make Hamburger Helper all the time ,but the boxes are so small now.
Hamburger is the beast for me
Good idea!
My son likes Hamburger Helper. I always add extra pasta and some vegetables to it to make it go further.