By

Wendy Stoltz,

Hristina Polk / Last Modified On May 12, 2025

Looking for an easy one-pot recipe? Try this delicious classic gluten-free hamburger helper. It's kid-friendly, even for the fussiest eater, with gooey cheese, ground beef, and pasta. This is the perfect weeknight meal for those busy nights. You can also change it up for variety.

We love to make this recipe and then use GF hamburger helper for meal prep. It keeps so well in the fridge for a couple of days and seems to get better every day. It also works well packed up for lunch for school or work.

If you love pasta and are not sure which gluten-free pasta brands to use, read this article about the best gluten-free pasta brands available now, and why we recommend them. You can even make your own. And this savory chicken subgum chow mein is another family favorite. These are both easy dinner recipes, and they're classics in our house. (And speaking of comfort foods, try my no-fail gluten-free meatloaf.) 

GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER RECIPE

Here's the thing: Store-bought hamburger helper has gluten in it. That means it's not welcome in our kitchen. It also means we needed to make our own version.

That's where this classic recipe comes in. At this point, our homemade hamburger helper has been around for many years. It is so good to make it with gluten-free pasta. Plus, it's super easy to make.

We love one-pot recipes as it means minimal clean up, especially during the busy school week. It is also super easy to make, and I love that my children love it. There is no debating about dinner or asking for something else to eat when this meal is made.

Plus, it's easy to add veggies into the mix. The rich, delicious flavor makes kid-friendly cover for broccoli, cauliflower, and even chopped spinach.

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER

One-pot recipe - Yes, just one pot, so that means minimal cleanup tonight.

Kid-friendly meal - This is a kid-friendly meal for even the fussiest kids. No one can resist the gooey cheese, and I am yet to meet a child that doesn't love pasta.

A great meal prep recipe - Make a batch and enjoy it for lunch during the busy school week.

INGREDIENTS IN THIS RECIPE

We love how simple the ingredient list is for this gluten-free hamburger helper. Every item has a purpose, and a few smart choices can make this recipe even better.

Start with lean ground beef. We recommend 90/10 or leaner. This helps keep the dish from getting too greasy or watery. If you're interested, Texas A&M has a pretty good guide on fat content in ground beef.

Since we're also adding broth and cream later, using lean beef prevents the final result from becoming too loose. It also lets the cheese and pasta shine without needing to drain off a lot of excess fat.

If you only have regular ground beef, you can still use it. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain off most of the fat before continuing. This small step makes a big difference in texture and taste.

The onion and garlic create the flavorful base. They add a rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen while everything simmers. A little smoked paprika brings warmth and depth, giving the dish more personality without overwhelming the classic flavors.

For the pasta, we use short gluten-free shapes like bowties or small shells. These shapes hold up well during cooking and do a great job of catching the sauce. Make sure to use a gluten-free pasta brand that stays firm after simmering. Some can get mushy, so it’s worth finding a favorite that works well every time.

Cheddar cheese adds that irresistible gooey finish. Shredding your own cheese is best. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking ingredients that keep it from melting as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese melts into the sauce beautifully and gives the dish a rich, creamy texture.

The broth ties it all together. Beef broth gives it a classic, hearty flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth works too if that’s what you have in the pantry. The splash of cream at the end adds just enough richness to make everything taste indulgent, even though it’s still a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

And how do you garnish hamburger helper?

Our favorite garnish is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream. If you want something heartier, a light dusting of extra shredded cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika on top can boost the flavor and make it look extra cozy.

For kids or picky eaters, you can even top it with a few gluten-free crunchy fried onions or crumbled gluten-free crackers for texture. Just be sure to add those right before serving so they stay crisp.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large pot - Depending on the amount you are making, choose the size accordingly. I like to use a large pot.

Spoon - I use a silicone spoon in my pots to protect them from getting scratched. I love the colors of these spoons.

If you have any questions about making gluten-free hamburger helper, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER

1. Heat a large pot on medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and break into small pieces. Cook until you can’t see any pink. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. Drizzle the same pot with olive oil and add the onion. Cook for a minute or two until transparent. Add the garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.  Stir to combine and cook an additional minute.
3. Add the tomato sauce and cook for another minute. Bring back the ground beef and stir to combine it all together.
4. Add the pasta and stir to combine everything together. Pour the broth and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down and cook until the pasta is cooked - about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and the cheese. Mix everything together and serve immediately.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions in gluten-free hamburger helper, please see the complete recipe below.

TIPS FOR MAKING A HEALTHY GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER

Brown the beef - Make sure to brown the ground beef. This will enhance the flavor.

Choose a good pasta - We suggest bowtie pasta or small shell pasta. 

Shred your own cheese - I prefer not using store-bought shredded cheese. I shred it myself and it melts better.

Use a flavorful tomato sauce - This adds flavor to the dish, so use your favorite pasta sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I STORE GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I like to store it in an airtight container. 

CAN I FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER?

Yes, you can freeze this GF hamburger helper for up to 3 months. It may be useful to make an extra batch to freeze.

CAN YOU MAKE THIS GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. It stores in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or alternatively freeze it. Defrost it when you need it.

IS ANY HAMBURGER HELPER GLUTEN-FREE?

Traditionally the hamburger helper you buy at the store isn't gluten free. That's ok, though. It's usually more fun (and much tastier to make at home). Store-bought hamburger helper is made with pasta that has gluten in it. But with this recipe, you can enjoy this classic recipe by using GF ingredients and your favorite GF pasta.

IS GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER THE SAME AS GOULASH?

No, they are not the same. Goulash is spicier and contains more tomato sauce whereas GF hamburger helper is creamier and has all the gooey cheese.

CAN I THICKEN IT?

Yes, if you want a thicker result just add a tablespoon of tomato paste into the recipe along with the tomato sauce. And make sure you're using lean ground beef instead of the kind with a higher fat content. They key to making this such a comfort food is finding the thickness and flavor you like best.

Even Martha Stewart mentions tomato paste as a way to thicken tomato sauce!

HOW LONG DOES GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER LAST?

GF hamburger helper lasts 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if you freeze it. 

WHAT SUBSTITUTIONS OR VARIATIONS CAN I MAKE TO THIS GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to adapt this recipe for different diets and tastes. It's versatile, and that's one of the reasons we keep making it!

• Try different cheeses - You can try different cheese or a mixture of cheese together.
• Use different noodles - Use different pasta shapes or noodles.
• Spice it up - Add your favorite spicy sauce and red pepper flakes.
• Protein - You can change out the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken.
• Sour cream - Add some sour cream once the GF hamburger helper is finished. 

And don't forget veggies. If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to add fresh vegetables onto a dinner plate. I like adding steamed or sautéed broccoli into this, chopped fine. If you have another variation, let me know in the comments!

Continue to Content

Yield: 6 servings

Gluten-Free Hamburger Helper

Print

Looking for an easy one-pot recipe? Try this delicious classic gluten-free hamburger helper with gooey cheese, ground beef, and pasta. This is the perfect weeknight meal for those busy nights.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 Onion, chopped into small pieces
• 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ¼ Cup Tomato Sauce
• 2 Cups Dry Short Pasta, such as bowtie, or small shells
• ¼ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 4 Cups Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable Broth

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot on medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil and add the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and break into small pieces. Cook until you can’t see any pink. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. Drizzle the same pot with olive oil and add the onion. Cook for a minute or two until transparent. Add the garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook an additional minute.
3. Add the tomato sauce and cook for another minute. Bring back the ground beef and stir to combine it all together.
4. Add the pasta and stir to combine everything together. Pour the broth and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat down and cook until the pasta is cooked - about 10-15 minutes.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and the cheese. Mix everything together and serve immediately.
   

Notes

• Brown the beef for added flavor, you can also use ground turkey or ground chicken

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 346Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 897mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 25g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

Did you make this gluten-free hamburger helper recipe? Please leave me a comment below letting me know what you thought.

Related: Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes