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Craving a comforting, hearty meal without the gluten? This Gluten-free Hamburger Helper is your answer! Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Growing up, I always loved the classic Hamburger Helper, but as I got older, I realized how much I needed a gluten-free version. After some experimentation, I finally nailed it! This recipe brings back all those nostalgic flavors while keeping it gluten-free and delicious.
Get ready to cook up a storm with this Gluten-free Hamburger Helper!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grass-fed/grass-finished beef | 1 lb |
| Almond flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sea salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Bone broth (or any broth!) | 3 cups |
| Dry pasta (brown rice shells) | 12 ounces |
| Tomato sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Shredded cheese (or dairy-free cheese) | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat a large skillet over medium/high heat and add the grass-fed beef to the skillet. Break it down into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon or fork.
- Cook on medium heat until the beef is brown and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add in the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, bone broth, pasta, and tomato sauce. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is ready and almost all the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheese.
- Serve while warm and enjoy your Gluten-free Hamburger Helper!
Notes
You must buy a carton labeled “Gluten-Free.” (Brands like Pacific Foods or specific Kitchen Basics are good). If it doesn’t say GF, do not trust it.
Use a Corn/Rice blend (like Barilla GF) or a Corn/Quinoa blend. These hold their shape better in boiling sauce than pure rice pasta.
- Unsafe: Many generic store brands or the UK version of Lea & Perrins.
- Safe: Lea & Perrins (The US version is usually GF, but check the label).
- Alternative: Tamari (GF Soy Sauce) is a safe substitute if you aren’t sure.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving. This Gluten-free Hamburger Helper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out this Ground Beef Enchilada Skillet Recipe.
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Gluten-free Hamburger Helper: Best GF Lunch Ideas
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni) is the best homemade version of the childhood classic. Ditch the powdered cheese packet for this easy, one-pot meal made with real cheddar, savory ground beef, and gluten-free pasta. It’s creamy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
— The Beef Base —
1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or GF all-purpose flour) – helps thicken the sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
— The Liquid & Pasta —
2 cups beef broth (ensure gluten-free)
1 ½ cups milk (whole milk makes it creamier)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for that signature ‘box’ flavor depth)
8 oz (approx. 2 cups) gluten-free elbow macaroni (Barilla or Jovial work well)
— The Cheese —
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that affect melting)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
2. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess grease if using fatty meat.
3. Add the minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the cornstarch (or GF flour) over the meat mixture and stir well to coat. This prevents the sauce from breaking later.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, milk, and the uncooked gluten-free macaroni noodles. (Make sure the liquid covers the pasta as much as possible).
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 10–12 minutes. IMPORTANT: Stir every 3-4 minutes to prevent the gluten-free pasta from sticking to the bottom or clumping together.
8. Once the pasta is tender (al dente) and most of the liquid is absorbed (it should still look slightly saucy), remove the pan from the heat.
9. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce creates a thick, creamy coating.
10. Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Pasta Brand Matters: Gluten-free pasta can turn to mush if overcooked. Brands like Jovial (brown rice) or Barilla (corn/rice blend) hold up best in one-pot meals.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch or cellulose, which can make your sauce gritty. Buying a block and grating it takes 2 minutes and makes a huge difference.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk (unflavored) and a high-quality vegan cheddar melt.
Vegetable Boost: Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onions, or stir in frozen peas at the very end for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 890
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any gluten-free pasta you prefer.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Just use dairy-free cheese instead of regular shredded cheese.
Can I freeze this Gluten-free Hamburger Helper?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—a delicious, gluten-free version of the classic Hamburger Helper. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy night in or a busy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!
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