By Wendy Stoltz and Hristina Polk / Last Modified On March 20, 2023

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. Try this savory chicken subgum chow mein that will hit your taste buds in all the right places or my no-fail gluten-free meatloaf. 

GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER RECIPE

This is a classic recipe that's been around for many years. It is so good to make it with gluten-free pasta. If you are new to GF pasta, try some of the suggested pastas recommended above. It is important to find your go-to pasta, or else feel free where possible to make your own.

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.

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 GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER

Ground beef - 1 lb. of ground beef

Seasoning - Salt, black pepper and smoked paprika

Onion - 1 Onion, chopped into small pieces

Garlic - 1 tbsp Garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce - ¼ Cup Tomato Sauce

Pasta - 2 Cups Dry Short Pasta, such as bowtie, or small shells

Cream - ¼ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Cheese - 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Broth - 4 Cups Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable Broth

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE HAMBURGER HELPER

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 no, as 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.

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?

Try different cheeses - You can try different cheese or a mixture of cheese together.

Use 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. 

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