No Hamburger Helper Here!

We were craving Hamburger Helper tonight (gasp!I know!) but there is something about that Cheeseburger Macaroni that just hits the spot. Well, since beginning to cook more and with WW, HH is just not on the menu. So instead, I found a wonderful recipe for Chili Cheeseburger Macaroni that was WW friendly, but you'd never know it! I loved this and will happily be eating the leftovers for lunch in the next few days. My husband though thought it was missing something. Here is our conversation:

Hubby: "It's good but missing something."
Me: "I like it, you can't even tell it's only 5 POINTS."
Hubby: "Yep, it's good but missing..."
Me: "Artificial flavoring?"
Hubby: "Yes! Can we buy that season packet in a bottle somewhere? You know, the kind of seasoning that is in Hamburger Helper?"
Me: Major eye roll here and changed the subject. :o)


Anywho, this is a definite repeater. I think I will add a little more chili powder next time to give it that extra chili kick. It made a ton! We each had a 1 1/2 cup serving (which was way more than enough!) and there was enough for two left over containers (I measured 1 1/2 cups in each for portion size) and there was still TONS in the pan. This recipe states it makes 6 servings, but I think it would serve way more than that.

Chili Cheeseburger Macaroni
(Source: adapted from WW etools)

2/3 lb extra lean hamburger
2 tsp chili powder
2 small onions, chopped
2 cans diced tomatoes **I used one regular and one spicy**
2 1/2 cup tomato juice **I used V8**
1 1/2 cup uncooked macaroni, elbow
3/4 cup low fat cheddar cheese, plus a couple small pinches for garnish
cooking spray

Coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Cook beef and onion over medium-high heat until meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Drain off fat.

Stir in undrained diced tomatoes, tomato juice, chili powder. Bring to a boil. Stir in macaroni (uncooked), return to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until macaroni is tender and mixture has thickened, about 15 mintues. Mix in the cheese and combine until melted. Yields about 1 1/2 cup per serving.

Total POINTS: 5


**This recipe also called for a can of kidney beans but we left this out. If you decide to put them in, you will need to add 1 point per serving.