Are you craving a comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further! Our Homemade Hamburger Helper is not only gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s also a quick and satisfying dish that will make your taste buds dance. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty dinner that the whole family will love—without any of the guilt! Get ready to discover a wholesome twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups gluten-free pasta
- 1/2 cup dairy-free cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out precisely and arranging them on your workspace.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spatula or cooking utensil.
- Cook the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is completely browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the cooked ground beef. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add gluten-free pasta to the skillet and pour in tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the skillet, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Sprinkle dairy-free cheese over the top of the dish. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt slightly.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken before serving.
- Serve hot, portioning into four equal servings. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make cooking even quicker, measure out all your ingredients beforehand. This will streamline the process and help you focus on cooking rather than searching for ingredients.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use a gluten-free pasta that holds up well during cooking. Options like brown rice or quinoa pasta are great choices for this recipe.
- Don’t Rush the Browning: Make sure to cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned for the best flavor. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to customize the spices to your taste! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or some Italian herbs for extra flavor.
- Monitor the Liquid: Keep an eye on the water level while the pasta simmers. If it looks like it’s drying out too quickly, add a splash more water to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor of your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
