Description
This Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is a quick, easy, and wholesome comfort food dish featuring lean ground beef, gluten-free pasta, and a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals, it provides a flavorful, nourishing option suitable for gluten-free diets and customizable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Pasta
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (rice or corn-based)
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or tomato paste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or preferred variety)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef, cooking until fragrant and well combined to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in Broth and Tomato Sauce: Add the beef broth and tomato sauce or paste to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the savory flavors.
- Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta: Stir in the gluten-free pasta directly into the skillet with the beef mixture. Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid, about 12-15 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese and Cream: Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheese and a splash of milk or cream, creating a creamy sauce that coats every bite.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and season with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve piping hot, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Choose a sturdy gluten-free pasta that holds shape during simmering to prevent mushiness.
- Browning the beef well adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Simmer gently to avoid sticking or burning the pasta.
- Add cheese near the end to prevent clumping or flavor loss.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg