Skip the box and make this easy, one-pot gluten-free Hamburger Helper from scratch! It’s cheesy, cozy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
One of the first meals I was allowed to cook for the family was a box of Hamburger Helper – it’s a fail proof, easy one pot dinner that anyone can make, and you can’t beat the cost!
But as an adult, the processed box stuff, while nostalgic – doesn’t do it for me like it used to. But every now and then, I get a craving for a comfort bowl of hamburger helper, with better ingredients!
If you want more comfort food dishes remade with real ingredients, you’ll also love my Homemade Spaghetti-O Rings and Pesto Pasta – both give major childhood dinner vibes with a grown-up twist.
ingredients for this recipe
I make my Hamburger Helper with ground beef, gluten-free noodles and broth. There’s no milk, but there is cheese and I find this dish to be super creamy and filling!
- olive oil: to sauté aromatics and ground beef.
- aromatics: yellow onion, garlic.
- 1 lb ground beef – can also use ground turkey.
- spices: salt, pepper and smoked paprika – or regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- tomato paste: adds a depth of cozy flavor.
- beef broth: helps add flavor and cooks your pasta.
- elbow pasta (macaroni) – gluten free or wheat pasta is fine.
- cheddar cheese: adds the best flavor and creamy texture!
hamburger helper gluten free
If using gluten-free pasta: I recommend a rice flour or rice flour/lentil blend. A corn or lentil only pasta will result in mushy noodles. I like the Jovial brand or Bionaturae best. Trader Joe’s also has a rice flour blend that works.
How to Make Hamburger Helper (without milk)
No need to cook the pasta separately! This one pot meal saves on dishes.
- Sauté: onion until soft, then toss in the garlic for a quick minute.
- Brown: brown ground beef and season with spices.
- Stir: in the tomato paste, then pour in the broth and dry macaroni.
- Simmer: simmer (no lid!) until the pasta’s firm and most of the liquid’s cooked down.
- Enjoy: stir in the cheddar, and dig in while it’s hot and cheesy.
tips for success with this one pot comfort
My two biggest tips for creamy, glossy noodles (no weird cheese clumps!) and perfectly cooked pasta — because nobody’s got time for mushy noodles:
- Cook your pasta al dente: Take about a minute off the package directions so your noodles stay firm enough to handle all that saucy goodness. They’ll keep cooking in the pot as everything comes together – no mushy pasta here, promise.
- Use block cheese: Grab a block and shred it yourself! Pre-shredded cheese has extra preservatives that keep it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts right into the pasta for that dreamy, glossy sauce we’re going for.
leftovers and how to store
I don’t recommend freezing leftover hamburger helper beef pasta. Cooked pasta that’s thawed from the freezer will turn mushy.
- Store: Hamburger Helper leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: in a small saucepan over a low heat, until warmed through. Add in a splash of beef broth to thin, if desired.
Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper with ground beef (no milk)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef - can also use ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - or regular paprika, for milder taste
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth, low-sodium - increase to 3 1/2 cups if you want a more brothy sauce
- 8 oz dry macaroni (elbow pasta) - gluten free or wheat pasta is fine.
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - from block cheese, suggested
Instructions
- To a large soup pot or dutch oven, add oil over medium heat. Once hot, add diced onion and saute until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and break up with a spatula. Brown until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Add tomato paste and saute together for several minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Add beef broth and dry macaroni noodles. Bring pot to a slight boil, and allow to cook uncovered (no lid) for 10-13 minutes, until pasta is al dente, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring every few minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until everything is fully combined. Serve and enjoy
Nutrition
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