Hamburger Helper is, basically, American goulash. Ground meat, macaroni, and whatever seasonings and bs you desire.
Here's grandma's recipe for Hungarian gulyas (she's from the old country), transcribed from a cookbook she submitted the recipe to in 1968.
1lb beef flank
2 tbsp lard
1 large onion
1 green pepper
2 large carrots
2 parsley roots & greens
2 stalks celery
1 fresh tomato
4 medium size potatoes
1/4 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp salt
not more than 2 quarts water
Cut meat into squares, wash. Saute onion in lard, add paprika, stir well, add meat, salt, tomato, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook slowly for 1 hour. Add all of washed and diced vegetables but potatoes. Add another cup of water and cook slowly for 1/2 hour. Add potatoes, continue cooking for 15 minutes. Add 1 quart of cold water, let it come to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Serve as a main dish.