Dairy Free Hamburger Helper
I used to eat boxed hamburger helper as a kid and I was absolutely craving it the other day but I wanted to make a version that was made with wholesome ingredients – that’s where this dairy free hamburger helper comes in. It is the perfect, easy weeknight meal and all you need is one pan! This creamy dish is made without dairy but you won’t even notice that it’s missing. I also used brown rice noodles to keep it gluten free. This is a comforting dinner that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This dairy free hamburger helper is the perfect comforting meal.
- It is incredibly easy to make.
- All you need is one pan.
- Great as leftovers.
- The whole family will love it.
- Made with wholesome ingredients.
- Gluten free and dairy free.
- The perfect balanced dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Olive oil. This is used to cook the beef and onions. You can sub with avocado oil.
- Ground beef. I used grass-fed 90/10 ground beef in this dairy free hamburger helper, you can use 80/20 as well. If you don’t like beef you can use ground turkey.
- Yellow onion. Finely diced onion adds aromatics and gives a slight sweet taste to each bite.
- Garlic. 1/2 tbsp of minced garlic about 2 cloves of garlic.
- Salt & pepper. Added to taste.
- Mustard powder. Adds a little bit of tang to the dish.
- Paprika. Paprika adds a slight sweet, smokey flavor.
- Gluten free pasta. Elbow is the classic and nostalgic shape. Use whatever pasta you’d prefer.
- Beef broth. The broth is used to cook the pasta, create a savory sauce, and add a rich flavor to the dish. You can use beef bone broth for added protein.
- Almond milk. Use unsweetened almond milk that is made with only two ingredients (almonds and water).
- Tomato paste. This is used to add sweet and rich flavor to the sauce.
- Dairy free cheddar. Dairy free cheddar is used to keep this dish dairy free, feel free to use nutritional yeast or opt out of cheese all together. If you aren’t dairy free I highly recommend you use a raw sharp cheddar cheese.
How to Make Dairy Free Hamburger Helper
Step 1
Cook the beef, onions, and garlic. Heat a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, minced garlic, and ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking up with the back of a spoon until it is browned all the way through. Stir in seasonings and tomato paste until fully combined.
Step 2
Boil the pasta. Stir in the broth, milk, and pasta. Bring the skillet to boiling and then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring often.
Step 3
Add cheese. Turn off the heat and add in dairy free cheddar. Stir until cheese is fully combined.
Step 4
Serve and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and fresh cracked pepper.
Expert Tips
- This dairy free hamburger helper is best served hot, garnished with cracked black pepper and fresh parsley or thyme.
- I always choose grass-fed beef. For this recipe I used 90/10, if you use 80/20 you may need to remove some of the grease before seasoning and adding tomato paste. If you don’t like beef you can use ground turkey.
- For added protein you can use beef bone broth in place of the beef broth.
- Add in whatever veggies you have on hand! Sometimes I like to add in kale or broccoli to get my greens in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve this dairy free hamburger helper?
Serve hot with fresh cracked pepper and fresh parsley or thyme.
Is it dairy free?
Yes! This is naturally dairy and gluten free.
How do I store it?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Is this good meal prep?
This is great for meal prep. The leftovers are just as delicious as the original and hold up well.
You May Also Like
- Gluten Free Spanish Rice
- Dairy Free Bolognese
- Dairy Free Chicken Tikka Masala
- Dairy Free Butternut Squash Pasta
Dairy Free Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef, 90/10
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 2-3 tbsp tomato paste
- 12 oz gluten free dried elbow pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 cup dairy free cheddar cheese, sub with raw cheddar if you can have dairy
Instructions
- Cook the beef, onions, and garlic. Heat a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, onions, minced garlic, and ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking up with the back of a spoon until it is browned all the way through. Stir in seasonings and tomato paste until fully combined.
- Boil the pasta. Stir in the broth, milk, and pasta. Bring the skillet to boiling and then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring often.
- Add cheese. Turn off the heat and add in dairy free cheddar. Stir until cheese is fully combined.
- Serve and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and fresh cracked pepper.
Notes
- This dairy free hamburger helper is best served hot, garnished with cracked black pepper and fresh parsley or thyme.
- I always choose grass-fed beef. For this recipe I used 90/10, if you use 80/20 you may need to remove some of the grease before seasoning and adding tomato paste. If you don’t like beef you can use ground turkey.
- For added protein you can use beef bone broth in place of the beef broth.
- Add in whatever veggies you have on hand! Sometimes I like to add in kale or broccoli to get my greens in.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.