CONFESSION: I kind of love Hamburger Helper. Hamburger Helper, Chicken Helper, Tuna Helper… I kind of love them all.

Personally, I think the helper line of products made simply per the package directions is bland, over-salted, boring and virtually inedible. It is, however, a brilliant springboard for creativity. By adding your own vegetables (absolutely necessary) herbs and spices (but please, no more salt—there’s more than enough already!) you can make a delicious meal that no one will believe is a ‘Helper.

A favorite in our house is the Chili Cheese variety, perfect for a chili craving when the proper time just isn’t available to make a proper batch of chili. As I always do with Hamburger Helper, I make it according to package directions, except I cook my hamburger meat with a generous amount of onion, garlic and, in this case, Penzey’s Salt-Free Chili Powder.

I also add chopped red and green bell peppers, one diced jalapeño or poblano pepper (seeds removed), a can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes, a healthy dose of frozen white corn — you can use regular corn, but the sweetness of the white corn is incomparable — and even more chili powder to taste.

When it’s done, I top it with freshly diced onions and a dollop of sour cream. It can’t compare to a really good batch of chili that’s been simmering all day, but it certainly is a great substitute for dealing with that chili craving on a work night!