Description
This One Pan Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is a healthier, homemade version of the nostalgic boxed classic. Made with real ingredients, this creamy beef and pasta skillet is comforting, flavorful, and completely gluten free! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound ground beef (83–90% lean)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups low sodium beef broth
1 cup plain, unsweetened milk (almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
10 ounces gluten free short pasta (elbows, shells, or penne)
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon chili powder
¾ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (dairy-free if needed)
Fresh chives & red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
-
Sauté the aromatics
Heat the butter in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Cook the beef
Stir in minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until mostly browned, breaking apart with a spoon. A little pink is fine—it’ll finish cooking with the pasta. -
Add tomato paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. -
Add liquids and pasta
Pour in the beef broth, milk, gluten free pasta, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Add cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. -
Serve
Garnish with fresh chives and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your cozy, homemade hamburger helper!
Notes
- Pasta Texture: Different gluten free pasta brands cook at different rates. Taste as you go and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
- Too much liquid? Whisk together 1 tablespoon gluten free flour + 2 tablespoons water, stir into the sauce, and simmer to thicken.
- Too little liquid? Add ½–1 cup more warm beef broth until the pasta finishes cooking.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter and cheese for your favorite vegan alternatives. Almond milk works great as the base .
- Add Veggies: Try mixing in peas, spinach, or chopped carrots for a nutrient boost.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min