Gluten‑ and Dairy‑Free Homemade Hamburger Helper

Why You’ll Love Gluten‑ and Dairy‑Free Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

• It’s a one‑pot meal, which means minimal cleanup.

• It comes together quickly — about half an hour from start to finish.

• You get that nostalgic “Hamburger Helper” vibe but without gluten or dairy.

• It’s easy to customize (different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses) depending on what you have on hand.

• It’s ideal for families, picky eaters, or anyone seeking comfort food that fits special diets.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1. Ground beef

2. Onion, diced

3. Tomato paste

4. Kosher salt

5. Black pepper

6. Chili powder

7. Garlic powder

8. Onion powder

9. Ground mustard

10. Gluten‑free pasta (such as gluten‑free elbow)

11. Beef broth

12. Dairy‑free cheddar cheese substitute

Directions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the ground beef and begin breaking it up with a spoon.

3. Once the beef is partially cooked, add the diced onion and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.

4. Stir in tomato paste and all the seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard).

5. Add the gluten‑free pasta and beef broth, stirring until well combined.

6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook (stirring occasionally) until the pasta is tender (about 20 minutes).

7. Remove from heat and stir in the dairy‑free cheddar cheese substitute until melted and well incorporated.

8. Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 thesaltycooker.com

• Prep time: 5 minutes thesaltycooker.com+1

• Cook time: 25 minutes thesaltycooker.com+1

• Total time: Approximately 30 minutes thesaltycooker.com+1

Variations

• Different protein: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef.

• Extra vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms when browning the meat.

• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or diced jalapeños.

• Cheese alternative: Use any dairy‑free melting cheese you prefer (vegan cheddar, plant‑based blends).

• Pasta swap: Use a different gluten‑free pasta shape or even gluten‑free noodles (just adjust cook time).

• Lower sodium: Use low‑sodium broth and reduce added salt.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. thesaltycooker.com

• Freezing: You can freeze leftovers in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2–3 months.

• Reheating:
   • On stovetop: Reheat over medium‑low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
   • Microwave: Cover and heat in intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant‑based ground meat substitute. Just ensure it’s cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

Do I have to use gluten‑free pasta?

Yes, if you’re strictly avoiding gluten. But if you don’t need to, you may use regular pasta.

Which dairy‑free cheese works best?

Choose a dairy‑free cheddar or melting cheese substitute that you like. Some melt better than others — experiment to find one that gives the creaminess you prefer.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — bell pepper, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or peas would all be good additions. Add them when you’re sautéing the onions or after the meat is browned.

How can I make this less salty?

Use a low‑sodium beef broth and go easy on added salt. Taste and adjust at the end.

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes. You can fully prepare and cool it, then refrigerate or freeze. Reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Will the pasta get soggy when stored?

It might soften over time. To reduce sogginess, you can slightly undercook the pasta initially or add a little extra broth when reheating.

Can I make it without tomato paste?

Tomato paste adds depth of flavor. If you omit it, you might lose some richness — you could try using tomato sauce or a bit of crushed tomatoes, adjusting the liquid accordingly.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Gluten‑ and Dairy‑Free Homemade Hamburger Helper delivers comforting, hearty flavor in a quick, one‑pot package. It’s a smart alternative to boxed versions — free from gluten and dairy, yet still creamy, satisfying, and adaptable. With easy swaps and storage options, it’s a dependable go‑to for busy nights or meal prep.

Gluten‑ and Dairy‑Free Homemade Hamburger Helper

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This Gluten and Dairy Free Homemade Hamburger Helper is a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Made with simple, whole ingredients, it’s a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and dietary restrictions.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups gluten-free elbow pasta
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth (gluten-free)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp gluten-free flour or arrowroot starch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free cheese shreds (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Drain excess grease if necessary.
6. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Add gluten-free pasta, beef broth, and almond milk to the pan. Stir to combine.
8. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
9. If the mixture is too thin, stir in gluten-free flour or arrowroot starch to thicken.
10. Add dairy-free cheese shreds if using, and stir until melted and creamy.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Use your favorite gluten-free pasta shape.
• Dairy-free cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• You can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for beef.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 65mg