Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this family favorite. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can easily find.For the Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups gluten-free beef broth
- 1 cup gluten-free pasta (such as elbow macaroni or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
Let’s Talk Gluten-Free Pasta
Choosing the right gluten-free pasta is key! I’ve tried a bunch, and here’s what I’ve learned. Brown rice pasta tends to get mushy easily, so watch it closely. Corn pasta holds its shape well, but some people find the taste a little strong. My personal favorite is a blend of rice and quinoa pasta, like the stuff from Ancient Harvest. It has a good texture and mild flavor. Remember to cook it *al dente* – it will continue to cook in the sauce. Also, if you’re looking for quick easy dinner gluten free options, consider pre-cooking the pasta earlier in the day to save time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is one of those easy yummy gluten free dinners that even beginner cooks can nail.Browning the Beef
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the butter or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Simmering the Sauce
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Adding the Pasta and Cheese
- Stir in the gluten-free pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. If not, add a little more beef broth.
- Cover and simmer for the time recommended on your pasta package, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. If the sauce seems too thin, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the skillet. Return to low heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Serving it Up!
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Gluten Free Hamburger Helper!
Troubleshooting and Tips
Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back!Sauce Too Thin?
No problem! That cornstarch trick works like a charm. Just make sure you mix it with cold water *before* adding it to the hot sauce, otherwise it’ll clump up. You can also simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate.Pasta Sticking?
Gluten-free pasta can be a little stickier than regular pasta. Stir it frequently while it’s cooking, especially in the beginning. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the sauce can also help.Not Enough Flavor?
Don’t be afraid to experiment! A dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a little smoked paprika can really kick things up a notch. You can even use Italian seasoning instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.Variations on a Theme
This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious variations.Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the ground beef while it’s browning for a spicy kick.Veggie Boost
Stir in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions and garlic for a boost of vegetables.Creamy Dreamy
Add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream along with the milk for an extra creamy sauce.Making it a Quick Healthy Gluten Free Meal
To make this a truly quick and healthy gluten free meal, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Load it up with extra veggies, and consider using a lower-fat cheese. Serving it with a side salad is another great way to add some extra nutrients. Also, planning ahead is key for quick easy dinner gluten free success. Pre-chopping your veggies and measuring out your spices can save you valuable time during the week.What to Serve With It?
While this Gluten Free Hamburger Helper is a complete meal on its own, a simple side dish can round things out nicely. A green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice. Steamed broccoli or green beans are also great options. And if you’re feeling fancy, you could even serve it with some crusty gluten-free bread for dipping in the sauce. You could also try pairing it with Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole for an extra hearty meal.Other Gluten Free Dinner Ideas
If you’re looking for more Easy Yummy Gluten Free Dinners, the possibilities are endless! Think about dishes like Ranch Beef & Cheddar Macaroni Melt (just use gluten free macaroni), Cheeseburger Pie with a gluten-free crust, or even a Cheeseburger Macaroni. Explore the world of gluten-free cooking, and you’ll discover a whole new range of delicious and satisfying meals. For those who love the original, you could even try making Homemade Hamburger Helper and adapt the sauce recipe, using gluten-free pasta as needed. And if you have leftover ground beef, consider using it in a Hamburger Rice Casserole, with some gluten-free modifications to the recipe.Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen it up.Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a delicious and easy Gluten Free Hamburger Helper recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s comforting, customizable, and totally gluten-free. Enjoy!What type of gluten-free pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests that a blend of rice and quinoa pasta, like the stuff from Ancient Harvest, works well. It has a good texture and mild flavor. Corn pasta is also an option, but some find the taste strong. Brown rice pasta tends to get mushy easily.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the skillet. Return to low heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Simmering uncovered for a few minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate is another option.
How should I store and reheat leftover Gluten Free Hamburger Helper?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen it up.
What are some variations I can make to this Gluten Free Hamburger Helper recipe?
You can add a spicy kick by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeño, boost the veggies by adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, or make it extra creamy by adding cream cheese or sour cream.
Gluten Free Hamburger Helper Easy
Enjoy a comforting and classic dish with this easy Gluten Free Hamburger Helper recipe. It’s a cheesy, beefy delight without the gluten, perfect for a quick and satisfying family meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Can opener
- Whisk (optional)
- Lid for skillet or Dutch oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups gluten-free beef broth
- 1 cup gluten-free pasta such as elbow macaroni or shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk dairy or non-dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the butter or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the gluten-free pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. If not, add a little more beef broth.
- Cover and simmer for the time recommended on your pasta package, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk. If the sauce seems too thin, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the skillet. Return to low heat and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce, if desired.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding milk or broth if needed. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño. To add more vegetables, stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions and garlic. For a creamier sauce, add cream cheese or sour cream with the milk. If the sauce is too thin, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the hot sauce. Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking, adding olive oil to the sauce can also help.
