Remember that classic, cheesy, one-pan dinner that was a weeknight staple? Now you can enjoy it again, made with wholesome ingredients and completely gluten-free.
Table of Contents
This homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food. It’s savory, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day.
Forget the box—this from-scratch version is so much more flavorful and incredibly easy to make.
A Little Story About This Dish
Growing up, the sight of a Hamburger Helper box meant a delicious and easy dinner was on the way. When I went gluten-free, I thought those simple, comforting pasta skillet meals were off the table for good.
That’s why I was so thrilled to perfect this homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper recipe. It captures all the nostalgic, cheesy goodness of the original but uses real ingredients you can feel great about.
This recipe is a huge hit with my entire family, and it proves you never have to miss out on the meals you love.
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 Helper. 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 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 brown rice 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 Gluten Free Hamburger Helper.
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
Here are a few final tips for your Gluten Free Hamburger Helper.
Make It Your Own: This is a fantastic base for gluten free hamburger recipes. Try making a gluten free hamburger helper stroganoff version by adding sautéed mushrooms and a swirl of dairy-free sour cream at the end. For a gluten free hamburger helper lasagna feel, use Mafalda pasta and stir in some ricotta cheese.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Here is some more inspiration for your gluten-free cooking with these recipes: Homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper, The Ultimate Creamy Gluten-Free Lentil Soup, The Best Homemade Gluten-Free Meatballs.
Your Burning Questions Answered!
Here are answers to some common gluten-free questions.
1. Does Hamburger Helper have gluten-free options?
Currently, the official Hamburger Helper™ brand does not offer any certified gluten-free products in the United States. Their pasta is made from wheat, making a homemade version like this Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper the safest and most delicious choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
2. What are some good gluten-free appetizers?
There are many fantastic gluten-free appetizers! Some popular choices include rice paper spring rolls, corn tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa, bacon-wrapped dates, caprese skewers with tomato and mozzarella, or a beautiful charcuterie board with gluten-free crackers.
3. Is there a gluten-free burger at McDonald’s?
In the U.S., McDonald’s does not offer gluten-free buns, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination in their kitchens. While you can order a burger patty without a bun, it is not considered a safe option for individuals with Celiac disease.
Dig In & Enjoy!
You’re ready to create a comforting, cheesy, one-pan meal that will become an instant family favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Gluten Free Hamburger Helper!
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Gluten Free Hamburger Helper: A Secret, Happy Fix
- 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