Craving that cheesy, savory, and satisfying pasta dish you loved as a kid? You can have it all back, without any of the gluten.
Table of Contents
This one-pan recipe for a homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is a total weeknight dinner hero. It’s quick, incredibly easy, and so much more flavorful than the boxed version.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
A Little Story About This Dish
I’ll always remember the sound of that box of Hamburger Helper shaking in the kitchen—it meant dinner was going to be easy and delicious. When I had to go gluten-free, I thought those simple, comforting meals were a thing of the past.
I was determined to recreate that nostalgic dinner, but make it healthier and completely gluten-free. This recipe is the result.
This Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is so cheesy and flavorful, it has become a new family favorite. It proves that you never have to miss out on the comfort foods you love.
Get Ready to Cook!
You are less than 30 minutes away from a warm, bubbly skillet of perfect Gluten Free Hamburger Helper. Let’s go over a few tips to ensure your meal is a success.
What to Expect
Time: Under 30 minutes.
Difficulty: Incredibly easy! This is a true one-pan meal.
Before You Begin
The type of gluten-free pasta you choose can affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on it. Brown rice pasta, like the shells used in this recipe, holds up wonderfully in the savory sauce.
The small amount of almond flour is our secret weapon. It acts as a thickener, helping to create a rich, velvety sauce for your Gluten Free Hamburger Helper without any gluten.
Finally, the key to a perfect consistency is to let the pasta absorb almost all of the liquid. A little bit of sauciness is perfect, as it will continue to thicken when you stir in the cheese.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the simple, wholesome ingredients for your homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper.
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Grass-Fed Ground Beef | 1 lb |
| Almond Flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Sea Salt and Black Pepper | To taste |
| Bone Broth (or any broth) | 3 cups |
| Dry Gluten-Free Pasta (like shells) | 12 ounces |
| Tomato Sauce | ¼ cup |
| Shredded Cheese (or dairy-free) | 1 cup |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these quick steps to make the perfect Gluten Free Hamburger Helper.
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink.
2. Drain and Season:
Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the almond flour and all the spices: garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer the Pasta:
Pour in the bone broth, the dry gluten-free pasta, and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together well to combine.
4. Cover and Cook:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Add the Cheese and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve your delicious, homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper while it’s hot and bubbly!
Here are some extra recipes to spark your gluten-free cooking inspiration: Gluten Free Lasagna Soup (In One Pot!), Gluten-Free Spaghetti Bake Casserole and Hearty Gluten Free Chicken and Dumplings.
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
A few final tips will help you master this delicious one-pan meal.
Variations: This is a fantastic base recipe. For a gluten-free hamburger helper stroganoff feel, stir in sautéed mushrooms and a dollop of dairy-free sour cream at the end. For a gluten-free hamburger helper lasagna style, use a different pasta shape and add a little ricotta.
Storage: This is one of those great, quick gluten-free ground beef recipes that tastes amazing the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are answers to a few common gluten-free questions.
1. Does Hamburger Helper have gluten-free options?
As of now, the official Hamburger Helper brand does not offer certified gluten-free versions of their boxed meals. This is why making a delicious, homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper from scratch is the best and safest option for those on a gluten-free diet.
2. Does In-N-Out have a gluten-free burger?
While In-N-Out doesn’t have gluten-free buns, they are well-known for their “Protein Style” option, where they replace the bun with a large lettuce wrap. The burger patty, sauce, and toppings are considered gluten-free, making this a popular choice.
3. What are some quick gluten-free meals?
There are many wonderful quick gluten free meals! One-pan skillet dinners like this Gluten Free Hamburger Helper are fantastic. Other great options include sheet pan meals with roasted chicken and vegetables, big salads with grilled protein, or lettuce wraps with seasoned ground meat.
Dig In & Enjoy!
You’re all set to create a meal that is pure comfort in a bowl. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite of your new favorite Gluten Free Hamburger Helper!
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Homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper (Better Than the Box!)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A quick, easy, and cheesy homemade Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper recipe! This one-pan comfort food classic is ready in under 30 minutes and is so much better than the box. A perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb grass-fed ground beef
1 tablespoon almond flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups bone broth
12 ounces dry gluten-free pasta (like brown rice shells)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded cheese (or dairy-free cheese)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it down into smaller pieces as it cooks.
2. Cook until the beef is brown and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
3. Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the broth, dry pasta, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm!
Notes
Dairy-Free Option: This recipe works great with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese.
Pasta Choice: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand of gluten-free pasta you use. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg