Homemade Hamburger Helper

     The first time I made this dish, J.T. loved it.  He said it tasted like homemade hamburger helper, so that is what I decided to name my new recipe.  This meal was created for budgetary reasons, but has become one of my quickest weeknight meals that we both look forward to seeing on the weekly menu plan.  Since this recipe is made up of just a hand full of items, it is important to invest in good quality ingredients.  While I realize not many people have time to make their own marinara sauce, it is the most important ingredient in this recipe.  My crock pot version (coming to the blog soon!) is quite simple to make, but a good quality store bought sauce will do in a pinch.  To make this meal even speedier, cook your rice in advance, so all you have to do is brown the beef and heat the sauce.  

Ingredients

• 2 cups long grain brown rice
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons Celtic sea salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or coarse ground black pepper
• 3 ½ cups (28 ounces) marinara sauce

Directions

1.     Cook the brown rice using your steamer, rice cooker, or stove top.  

2.     In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef.  Drain the beef to remove any grease and return the beef to the pan.  Add the sea salt, pepper, and marinara sauce.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.  

3.     Stir in the cooked rice and heat through.  

Make ahead:  Prepare the recipe as instructed above, cooking the rice until just al dente.  Transfer to an ovenproof or microwave safe dish.  The dish may be reheated in a 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes, uncovered.  Alternatively, it can be reheated in a microwave safe dish, covered with plastic wrap, for 20 minutes.  

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