Craving that classic, cheesy, one-pan dinner from your childhood? Now you can enjoy it all, made from scratch with wholesome ingredients and completely Gluten Free hamburger casserole.
Table of Contents
This recipe for a Gluten Free Hamburger casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It’s quick, unbelievably easy, and has a rich, savory flavor that blows the boxed version out of the water.
This is the satisfying skillet meal you’ve been missing.
A Little Story About This Dish
I’ll always remember the sound of that box of Hamburger Helper shaking in the kitchen—it was the signal that a quick and delicious dinner was on its way. After going gluten-free, I thought those easy, nostalgic meals were a thing of the past.
That inspired me to recreate that same comforting experience. I was determined to develop a Gluten Free Hamburger casserole that captured all the cheesy goodness I remembered.
This recipe is the delicious result, and it has become an absolute staple in my home for busy nights when we need something cozy and satisfying.
Get Ready to Cook!
You’re just one pan and less than 30 minutes away from a warm, bubbly skillet of delicious Gluten Free Hamburger casserole. Let’s review the keys to success.
What to Expect
Time: Under 30 minutes.
Difficulty: Incredibly easy! A true one-pan wonder.
Before You Begin
The type of gluten-free pasta you use is important. A sturdy shape like brown rice shells or rotini works beautifully, as it holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.
The almond flour acts as a secret thickener, helping create that signature creamy sauce without any gluten. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
For the perfect sauce consistency, let the pasta absorb most but not all of the liquid. The sauce will continue to thicken beautifully once you stir in the cheese off the heat, making your Gluten Free Hamburger Helper perfectly creamy.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the simple, wholesome ingredients for your delicious homemade Gluten Free Hamburger casserole.
| 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 cheese) | 1 cup |
Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these quick steps for the perfect pan of homemade Gluten Free Hamburger casserole.
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks until it is browned all over and no longer pink.
2. Season and Thicken:
Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for about 30 seconds until the spices are fragrant.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta:
Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and the dry gluten-free pasta. Stir everything together well, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
4. Simmer the Skillet:
Bring the mixture to a lively 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. Make It Cheesy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Serve your Gluten Free Hamburger Helper immediately while it’s hot and cheesy!
Mastering the Dish: Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
A few final tips will help make this one-pan meal a family favorite.
Pointers for Perfection
This recipe is a fantastic base. For a stroganoff-style dish, add sautéed mushrooms and a dollop of dairy-free sour cream at the end. The key to the best Gluten Free hamburger casserole is tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper just before you serve.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
For those in search of new gluten-free dishes, these recipes are a great source of inspiration: Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet, The Best Homemade Gluten-Free Meatballs, The Ultimate Gluten Free Lasagna Soup.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are answers to a few common questions.
1. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! This Gluten Free hamburger casserole is easily made dairy-free. Simply substitute the shredded cheese for your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese blend. The results are just as creamy and delicious.
2. What is the best gluten-free pasta to use?
A sturdy, bite-sized pasta shape works best. Brown rice pasta, particularly shells or rotini, holds its shape well and absorbs the sauce beautifully without becoming mushy. Avoid very delicate pasta shapes.
3. Why do you use almond flour?
The tablespoon of almond flour is a simple, gluten-free trick to help thicken the sauce. As the pasta cooks and releases its starches, the almond flour gives the sauce a little extra body, resulting in a creamier, more traditional Gluten Free Hamburger Helper texture.
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 one-pan dinner!
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Gluten Free hamburger casserole: Effortless Happy Magic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
The ultimate homemade Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper! This quick, easy, and cheesy one-pan meal is ready in under 30 minutes and is so much more flavorful than the boxed version. The perfect comfort food dinner for busy weeknights.
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 (e.g., 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 cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in the bone broth, dry pasta, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together well.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat.
6. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately!
Notes
Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite brand of dairy-free shredded cheese to easily make this recipe dairy-free.
Pasta Note: Cook time may need to be adjusted slightly based on the brand and type of gluten-free pasta you use.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Simmering, One-Pan
- 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