Description
This Gluten Free Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting, quick, and flavorful dinner perfect for families with gluten sensitivities. Featuring hearty ground beef, tender gluten-free pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce enriched with spices and cream cheese, it offers a nostalgic and satisfying meal without gluten. Easy to prepare, customizable, and family-friendly, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (small shapes like elbow or shells)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups gluten-free beef broth
- 1 cup dairy or dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 oz cream cheese or creamy dairy-free alternative
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations and Add-ins
- Additional veggies: 1 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach
- Spices to taste: pinch of cayenne or chili flakes
- Cheese alternatives: shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or dairy-free cheese
- Fresh herbs: parsley, thyme, or oregano for garnish or flavor
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Combine Liquids and Spices: Pour in the gluten-free beef broth, diced tomatoes, and milk. Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a savory sauce.
- Add Gluten-Free Pasta and Simmer: Stir in the gluten-free pasta. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently over low heat for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish with Cream Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese or a creamy alternative until smooth and velvety, enhancing the comforting texture of the dish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium, certified gluten-free broth for best flavor and safety.
- Choose small pasta shapes like elbows or shells for even cooking and better sauce coating.
- Keep the heat low during simmering to prevent burning and achieve tender pasta.
- Add cream cheese off the heat to avoid curdling and maintain sauce smoothness.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld, making it great for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Gluten Free Hamburger Helper, gluten free dinner, quick family dinner, ground beef recipe, creamy pasta, gluten free comfort food