If you’re craving a nostalgic and hearty meal that’s both quick and easy, this Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is going to be your new go to! I honesty have never had the original Hamburger Helper, but the combination of flavors sounds so good that I decided to try making a more wholesome version! It’s the perfect comfort food classic. This gluten free version of a family favorite delivers all of the cozy vibes! This dish uses simple, staple ingredients and is cooked in one skillet. The best part is that it’s ready in about 30 minutes and packed with protein! Your whole family will love it and it has much better ingredients than the store-bought version. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, making it a super practical and delicious meal. If you love this dish, you’ll also love my steak fajita pasta, gluten free pasta bake and chicken taco pasta!
What is Hamburger Helper?
Hamburger Helper is a packaged food product designed to create a quick and easy one-dish meal. It consists of dried pasta and a packet of powdered seasoning. It is known for its convenience. I wanted to take this recipe and create a version that is easy, satisfying but made with more wholesome ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a gluten free and dairy free version of a classic!
It is the perfect wholesome comfort food.
This dish is ready is less than 30 minutes.
It is a delicious combination of flavors!
This meal is kid-friendly and your whole family will love it!
You only need one pan to make this dish.
This meal is packed with protein.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this gluten free hamburger helper is a pan, spatula, measuring cups and spoons and a cutting board and knife. I have been loving my Staub cast iron pan for one pan dishes.
Ingredients Needed
Oil: I used avocado oil in this recipe. It’s my favorite oil to cook with.
Onion: I love using sweet onion in my pasta recipes! It gives this dish such a delicious flavor.
Beef: I used grass fed beef ancestral blend in this recipe to get more nutrients. You can also use regular ground beef. I like to use grass fed and grass finished beef whenever possible because it is higher quality!
Seasoning: I used garlic powder and paprika in this recipe to give it tons of flavor!
Salt: My favorite is Redmond’s Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond’s website.
Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce gives this dish a rich and savory flavor! It makes up the base of the dish.
Broth: Broth contributes flavor, protein and adds moisture to this dish!
Pasta: You can use any type of gluten free pasta you love in this dish. My favorite brand is Jovial.
Milk: I added coconut milk to this gluten free hamburger helper to make it extra creamy. If you are not dairy free, you can use cream!
Cheese: Cheese is a great addition to this meal as well, but it is totally optional! Use dairy free cheese, if needed!
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Chop onion and add to an oiled pan. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned.
Step 3: Add in meat, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in tomato sauce, broth and pasta and cook until pasta is soft, about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add in coconut milk and cheese, serve and enjoy!
Storage
Store this gluten free hamburger helper in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Variations
Pasta: I used gluten free brown rice pasta in this dish. You can also use pasta made from corn, chickpeas or lentils. Feel free to use whatever brand of gluten free pasta you love!
Meat: I used ground beef in this recipe but you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken!
Seasoning: I used salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder to add flavor to this gluten free hamburger helper. You can also try adding red pepper flakes, onion flakes, oregano and basil for some extra flavor!
Broth: I used chicken broth in this dish, but you can also use beef broth, vegetable broth or even bone broth!
Milk: I used coconut milk to make this dish extra creamy. If you do not have to eat dairy free, you can use cream!
Cheese: I used dairy free cheese in this recipe because I am dairy free. Feel free to use regular cheese if you are not dairy free. You can also skip the cheese altogether.
How to Serve
A gluten-free Hamburger Helper-style dish is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:
- Straight from the Skillet: The most straightforward way! Serve it hot in bowls or plates.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans or carrots add a healthy touch.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives or basil on top for added freshness and flavor.
- Topped with Extra Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, mozzarella or Parmesan cheese before serving.
- With a Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy tanginess.
- With a Sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat.
- Stuffed Peppers: Stuff cooked bell peppers with the Hamburger Helper mixture and bake until tender.
- Casserole Style: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs (gluten free, of course) and bake until bubbly.
- Hamburger Helper “Nachos”: Instead of pasta, use gluten-free tortilla chips as a base and top with the Hamburger Helper mixture, cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings.
- Hamburger Helper Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
Recipe FAQ
Is there a gluten free hamburger helper?
There are versions now that are gluten free, but make sure to read the labels carefully! I created this version because it is more wholesome and uses better ingredients.
Can I use a different meat in this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to swap in ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef!
What can I serve this with?
Serve this gluten free hamburger helper with a side salad or vegetables.
Is this recipe dairy free?
This recipe is dairy free if you use dairy free milk and cheese!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Feel free to prep this gluten free hamburger helper ahead of time!
Can I add more spice to this recipe?
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give this dish some more heat!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Feel free to add in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots and more!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these gluten free dinner ideas next:
If you make this gluten free hamburger helper and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or Tik Tok.
Gluten Free Hamburger Helper
Equipment
- 1 skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 sweet onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- dash salt
- dash pepper
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups broth
- 1 box gluten free pasta
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 3/4 cup cheese (optional and dairy free if needed)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Chop onion and add to an oiled pan. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Add in meat, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper and cook for 10 minutes.
- Pour in tomato sauce, broth and pasta and cook until pasta is soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add in coconut milk and cheese, serve and enjoy!
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