Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper

Hamburger helper is the ultimate comfort food and can be enjoyed any time of the year. Learn how to make gluten-free hamburger helper in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner recipe.

I remember eating hamburger helper a lot as a kid and it was always a crowd-pleaser. Even though the box hamburger helper is good, dare I say great? It does not compare to a homemade from scratch hamburger helper.

With just a few simple ingredient swaps, hamburger helper can be a healthy and gluten-free option. Even those with allergies can enjoy this ultimate comfort food without having to compromise health.

Healthy hamburger helper can be made in one dish and whipped up in less than 30 minutes! This dish will quickly become a family favorite and part of the regular rotation!

GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER

To make hamburger helper gluten-free, you have to use gluten-free noodles and spices. All of the other ingredients needed for hamburger helper are naturally gluten-free.

For the noodles, you can use rice noodles, quinoa noodles, lentil noodles, or any other gluten-free noodles. Thankfully, grocery stores have lots of gluten-free options these days. Most stores even have a gluten-free section with lots of options.

You will notice there are a lot of spices in this recipe. That is what will replace the spice packet that you find in the box hamburger helper. Most of those spice packets contain gluten, so mixing your own will ensure you are making it gluten-free. Be sure to check your spice ingredients to make sure they don’t contain gluten; you would be surprised how many do!

HEALTHY HAMBURGER HELPER

Making your hamburger healthy isn’t too hard. You only need to make a few swaps to make classic hamburger helper a nutritious meal. Instead of water, I am using homemade bone broth. Bone broth is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that are great for gut health. Using broth adds so much rich flavor too!

For the recipe, you will need cream and cheese. To make your hamburger helper healthy, be sure to use high-quality ingredients made from grass-fed or organic cows. It is always best to shred your own cheese to avoid extra ingredients that are often added to make shredded cheese not clump together.

Just as it is important to use high-quality dairy ingredients, you will want to do the same with your meat. I use grass-fed organic beef for this recipe. You can also use ground turkey, pork, chicken, or venison.

HEALTHY HAMBURGER HELPER RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Broth
• Cream
• White cheddar cheese
• Gluten-free macaroni noodles

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start off by browning your ground beef in a large skillet. I use my large cast-iron skillet.
2. Once your meat is browned, add in sauces and spices. Stir well.
3. Pour in broth, cream, cheese, and noodles.
4. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer for 15 minutes or until noodles are cooked.

NOTE: Sauce will thicken as it simmers.

HOW LONG DOES HAMBURGER HELPER LAST?

This recipe will last up to 5 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Hamburger helper makes the perfect freezer meal. To freeze, allow the dish to cool, then cover, or transfer to an air-tight container and place in the freezer. Pull out the night before you want to eat it and place it in the fridge to defrost. Warm in a 350°F oven until hot and serve.

EASY DINNER RECIPES

An easy dinner means fewer dishes! I love that this gluten-free hamburger helper can be made in one dish. It makes for a simple recipe and easy clean-up.

The other part to easy is less time. This hamburger helper meets that requirement too. You can have this healthy dish on the table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish!

Plus, this will be a total crowd pleaser! Everyone loves a steamy hot bowl of hamburger helper; even your picky eaters will love this one.

IS GROUND BEEF GLUTEN-FREE?

The obvious answer to this is yes. However, some processes may add gluten or spices into hamburger meat that could contain gluten. Plain hamburger meat is gluten-free but be sure to check your labels to be sure.

HAMBURGER HELPER RECIPE NOTES

• You can substitute any ground meat for beef.
• If you aren’t gluten-free, you can make this recipe with regular noodles.
• You can substitute water for broth.
• If you want to make a spicier version, you can add a teaspoon of hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.