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This gluten-free hamburger helper is a one-pot weeknight dinner that tastes just like the classic boxed version, only healthier with a dairy-free option, AND family-approved! With tender gluten-free pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy sauce, this homemade hamburger helper comes together in just 20 minutes for the ultimate comfort food classic made from scratch.
Why You'll Love This Gluten Free Hamburger Helper Recipe
If you’re like me and grew up loving the cheesy boxed version, this gluten-free hamburger helper will bring all the nostalgia without the gluten or processed ingredients. I first recreated it when Jovial Foods asked me to test their new cassava pasta, and it instantly became a family favorite!
I love that this dish cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze on busy weeknights. The pasta simmers right in the broth, absorbing flavor while staying perfectly tender. You can choose between a dairy-free cashew "cheese" sauce or a high-protein option with cottage cheese and cheddar, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.
When I tested it the first time, my kids were circling the stove, sneaking bites straight from the pot before it even hit the table. This recipe is also perfect for chilly fall evenings when you want something hearty, fast, and comforting without the box.
For another cozy skillet dinner, with similar nostalgic flavors, try my Whole30 Cheeseburger Soup, One-Pot Dairy-Free Beef Stroganoff, or Bacon Cheeseburger Bowls – all 3 are sure to please!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a breakdown of what goes into this gluten-free pasta skillet and how each ingredient works:
- Ground beef: I prefer grass-fed for flavor and quality protein.
- Onion + garlic: The savory base that makes the sauce aromatic. As soon as the garlic hits the pan, the whole kitchen smells cozy and inviting.
- Diced tomatoes + tomato paste: Bring body and tangy richness to the sauce.
- Broth: Use chicken for a lighter flavor or beef broth for a deeper, heartier taste. Both work well.
- Gluten-free pasta: Jovial cassava pasta, gluten-free elbow pasta, or Banza brown rice pasta hold up best without turning mushy. Avoid traditional chickpea pasta, which tends to foam because of its higher protein and starch content.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt mimic the savory boxed flavor.
- Dairy-free "cheese" sauce: Cashews, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and water blended until creamy.
- High-protein sauce: Cottage cheese blended smooth, stirred in with shredded cheddar for a cheesy finish.
How to Make Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper
Step 1: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes until beef is mostly browned, then drain excess fat.
Step 2: Stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and spices. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Add the gluten-free pasta.
Step 4: Cook for 10 minutes or until al dente, stirring often so nothing sticks. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. It might look a little soupy at first, but trust me, it thickens into a silky sauce as it stands.
Step 5 (Dairy-Free Sauce): While pasta cooks, blend cashews, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, water, and salt until smooth. Stir into the pasta when finished cooking. (High-Protein Sauce): Blend cottage cheese until smooth. Turn heat to low and add into the pot with shredded cheddar.
Step 6: Stir until creamy and serve with parsley and parmesan, if desired.
Storage + Make Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal prep: This makes a fantastic make-ahead weeknight dinner, or, store in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Recipe FAQs
Jovial cassava pasta and Banza brown rice pasta are the most reliable options. They hold their texture without getting mushy.
Yes! The cashew-based "cheese" sauce with nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy.
The pasta cooks directly in the broth, releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. The blended "cheese" sauce also adds creaminess.
I think it’s even better! The spices and creamy sauce recreate the nostalgic flavor while keeping it gluten- and dairy-free. I still get that same cheesy, savory aroma that takes me right back to my childhood kitchen.
This gluten-free hamburger helper is cozy, comforting, and comes together in just 20 minutes; perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love! Whether you go with the dairy-free cashew sauce or the high-protein cheddar version, this homemade hamburger helper is a family-friendly meal you'll want on repeat.
You might also enjoy my Whole30 Paleo Meatloaf for another cozy dinner idea – it's one of my favorite gluten-free weeknight dinners!
More Gluten-Free Comfort Food Recipes
Easy Gluten Free Lasagna with Dairy Free Option
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry (Gluten Free)
Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper (Dairy-Free Option)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 lb grassfed ground beef
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 3.5 cups chicken broth , or beef broth
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 10-12 oz gluten free pasta, 10 oz Banza Brown Rice Pasta box or 12 oz Jovial GF pasta box both work
"Cheese" Sauce
- ¾ cup raw, unsalted cashews
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp nutritonal yeast
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup water
High Protein / Nut Free Cheese Sauce Alternative
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the onion, garlic, and ground beef. Saute for 5-7 minutes until the beef is mostly browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add in the diced tomatoes, broth, and spices. Stir and bring it to a boil, then add in the cassava pasta. Cook it for 10 minutes (or according to package directions if using another pasta), stirring frequently to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Dairy Free "Cheese Sauce"
- While the pasta is cooking, make the "cheese" sauce. Combine all of the ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend on high for 30 seconds – 1 minute until very smooth and creamy. When the pasta is done, it may look like there is excess liquid in the pot. This is okay – it will thicken while standing! Stir in the "cheese" sauce and top with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
High Protein / Nut Free Version
- While the pasta is cooking, blend your cottage cheese until smooth. Turn heat to low and stir it into the beef and pasta mixture along with the shredded cheese until smooth. Add a little extra cheese on top and cover, letting it melt for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra protein, use Banza’s Chickpea & Brown Rice Pasta! Because the pasta cooks right in the broth, I do not recommend using their traditional chickpea pasta, as it tends to foam up a bit!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
- Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- This makes a fantastic make-ahead weeknight dinner or you can store in containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
This recipe was excellent. I used the dairy version. It was, quick, easy and tasty. My children (8 & 9) have already requested to have it again soon. Served it with roasted broccoli for a healthy balanced meal.
Made the high protein/nut free one for dinner and it was a huge hit! I used GF elbows by rummo bc that’s what I had and it’s so good – with leftovers being fought over for tomorrows lunch. Thanks Mary!
Oh my! This is so delicious and super easy to make!
My whole family loved this. My kids are hard to please.
So delicious and so easy! Followed recipe exactly using jovial noodles and so good!
From the south so I always use extra seasoning. Bumped all spices to 3/4tsp and added an extra tbsp of tomato paste for a deeper umami flavor and it was perfect! I did the high protein sauce with 2% good culture cottage cheese and served it with roasted garlic green beans. Whole family loved it 🥰 Thanks for the easy recipe!!
Made this tonight with the cottage cheese/cheddar and used Barilla chickpea pasta (only pasta that I had on hand). I slightly undercooked the pasta and it was perfect – not foamy or mushy. Came together quickly and easily and the whole family loved it. Thanks!
Great but not sure why my cottage cheese doesn’t look smooth kind of curdled up after stirring in. Tastes good but hoping kids still eat with that white look in there. Any tips? Thanks!
Made this tonight with Banza pasta and the high protein sauce. YUM! So hearty and delicious.