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HAMBURGER HELPER:
The missing microwave directions

If you're like me, you've probably noticed that in the last couple of years (i.e. sometime around 2007), they've been removing the microwave directions from the Hamburger Helper boxes...

Funny how that happened not long after they rolled out those nasty and overpriced "Microwave Singles", isn't it.  I'm sure it's just coincidence, though.

But, thanks to the internet...:D  Consider this my contribution to the noble cause of Infinitely Prolonged Bachelorhood... or a big :D to Betty Crocker and the General Mills corporation.

Note: The directions for each variety are presented in alphabetical order.  New ones will be added over time, as I get around to making them.
 
Also note: personally, I prefer to brown the beef with my George Foreman grill, instead of using the microwave. (A) it tastes better, (B) it cuts down on the amount of fat, and (C) microwaved ground beef never seems to "brown", as such; it always ends up with this funky grey color.:D
Cheesy Enchilada
Cheesy Enchilada
  1. Crumble 1 lb. lean ground beef into 2½-quart microwavable casserole or bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain.
  2. Stir in sauce mix, 3 cups boiling* water, ¾ cup milk and uncooked rice.
  3. Microwave uncovered on High 10-15 minutes*, stirring every 5 minutes, until rice is tender (sauce will thicken as it stands). Dish will be hot. Meanwhile, stir 3 tbsp. milk and cheese topping mix in bowl 30 seconds; set aside.
  4. Remove from microwave. Pour cheese topping over beef mixture. (If topping is too thick to pour, stir in an additional ½ to 1 tsp. teaspoons milk.)
*High Altitude (3500 - 6500 ft): Increase boiling water to 3¾ cups and microwave cooking time to 15-20 minutes.
Double Cheesy Quesadilla
Double Cheesy Quesadilla
  1. Crumble 1 lb. lean ground beef into 2½-quart microwavable casserole or bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain.
  2. Stir in sauce mix, 2 cups boiling* water, 1 cup milk and uncooked rice.
  3. Microwave uncovered on High 8 to 12 minutes*, stirring every 4 minutes, until rice is tender (sauce will thicken as it stands). Dish will be hot. Meanwhile, stir ¼ cup milk and cheese topping mix in bowl 30 seconds; set aside.
  4. Remove from microwave. Pour cheese topping over beef mixture. (If topping is too thick to pour, stir in an additional 1 to 2 teaspoons milk.)
*High Altitude (3500 - 6500 ft): Increase boiling water to 2½ cups, and microwave cooking time to 12-16 minutes.
Four-Cheese Lasagna
Four-Cheese Lasagna
  1. Crumble 1 lb. lean ground beef into 2½-quart microwavable casserole or bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain.
  2. Stir in sauce mix, 2½ cups boiling* water, 1 cup milk and uncooked pasta.
  3. Microwave uncovered on High 10 to 15 minutes*, stirring every 5 minutes, until pasta is tender (sauce will thicken as it stands). Dish will be hot.
*High Altitude (3500-6500 ft.): Increase boiling water to 2¾ cups, and microwave cooking time to 16 to 20 min.
Potatoes Stroganoff
Potatoes Stroganoff
  1. Crumble 1 lb. lean ground beef into 3-quart microwavable casserole or bowl. Microwave uncovered on High 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up beef after 3 minutes, until brown; drain.
  2. Stir in sauce mix, 2½ cups boiling* water, 1¼ cups milk and uncooked potatoes.
  3. Microwave uncovered on High 14 to 21 minutes, stirring every 7 minutes, until potatoes are tender (sauce will thicken as it stands). Dish will be hot.
*High Altitude (3500-6500 ft.): Increase last microwave time to 16-23 min.