This dairy free hamburger helper recipe comes together with savory ground beef in a creamy tomato sauce with macaroni noodles. It's cooked in one pot and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Hamburger helper is a comfort food classic. To make this childhood favorite, let’s first recap what exactly it is. Hamburger Helper is a store-bought boxed mix that contains dry noodles and a powdered packet to make a creamy sauce.
For my homemade version, we’re using affordable pantry items that you can actually pronounce. This hamburger helper from scratch is just as hearty and comforting as the original, but you have total control over the seasonings plus know exactly what’s in there.
Cozy up with more comforting dairy free pasta recipes like Dairy Free Beef Stroganoff, Dairy Free Swedish Meatballs, and Dairy Free Shepherd's Pie.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients: Since becoming a mom, I'm even more into short and simple ingredient lists. I don't have time to be fussing in the kitchen once dinnertime rolls around. You probably already have everything you need to make this recipe now.
- Family favorite: Who doesn't love a quick dinner? Especially on busy weeknights! This recipe is easy to tweak seasonings to you or your family’s taste. It’s nostalgic, scrumptious, and even kid-friendly.
- Allergy friendly: Just like all of my recipes, this one is dairy free and egg free. I wanted to make sure this meal was also gluten free, just use your favorite gluten-free macaroni pasta.
Ingredient notes
- Ground beef: I suggest using a blend of 80% lean/20% fat ground beef. The fat adds flavor, but can be swapped out for a leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Onion: I recommend a sweet onion to balance out the beefy, umami ground meat.
- Seasonings: Keep it basic with garlic powder, paprika, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper! Feel free to spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes
- Tomato paste: I opt to use tomato paste vs tomato sauce in this homemade hamburger helper since it gives the sauce a rich tomato flavor that tastes like it has simmered for hours and hours, instead of just minutes.
- Pasta: I typically use the classic elbow noodles but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. The liquid to noodle ratio may need to be slightly tweaked. Just add ¼ cup extra broth as needed.
- Broth: Use beef broth, chicken broth, or water.
- Dairy free milk: Use your go-to non dairy milk such as coconut milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk. Just make sure it's unsweetened and unflavored.
How to make dairy free hamburger helper
The full instructions for this homemade hamburger helper recipe are found down below in the recipe card.
- Cook the meat: Warm a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet, large stockpot, or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and pound of ground beef. Let cook, breaking the meat into small pieces as it browns.
- Make the sauce: Stir in seasonings, tomato paste, broth, and dairy free milk.
- Boil the pasta: Pour in the uncooked pasta, bring everything to a boil, and cook until most of the liquid has absorbed and the pasta is very al dente. Give everything a good stir and serve warm.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of dairy free milk. I do not recommend freezing as cooked pasta doesn't have the same texture once thawed.
Variations of hamburger helper
- For an even creamier sauce, add 1 cup dairy free cheddar cheese or ½ cup dairy free sour cream just before serving.
- To get more sauce, add ½ cup extra broth or stir in starchy reserved pasta water.
- Add a dash of worcestershire sauce tangy, savory, and punchy taste.
- Kick up the heat with your favorite spicy hot sauce!
- Toss in some chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or baby spinach.
Serving suggestions
Round out this meal by pairing it with a side of Kale Crunch Salad, Air Fryer Green Beans, Brussels Sprouts, or Dairy Free Dinner Rolls. Don't forget dessert!
Related recipes
Want more delicious dairy free recipes? Try these next:
- Dairy Free and Egg Free Meatballs are a fan favorite! They bake in 15 minutes and freeze great, perfect for meal prep.
- My Tater Tot Casserole is made without cheese, without eggs, and without cream of mushroom soup!
- Dairy Free Zuppa Toscana comes together with Italian sausage, crisp bacon, and potatoes in a creamy broth.
- Meatballs and Rice is great for an easy weeknight meal. It's warm and comforting!
- This Gnocchi Bolognese combines pillowy dumplings in a rich, meaty sauce for an ultra comforting meal.
I hope you love this easy dairy free hamburger helper recipe as much as we do! If you give it a try, be sure to let me know what you think. Don't forget, you can get all of my dairy free pasta recipes here!
Dairy Free Hamburger Helper
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups dairy free milk
- 12 ounces dried elbow pasta
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet (or large stock pot or dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and ground beef.
- Sauté the onions and beef, breaking up the meat with the back of a wooden spoon as it browns. This takes about 5 minutes.
- Season with garlic powder, paprika, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir to combine.
- Add the broth, dairy free milk, and uncooked pasta. Give everything a big stir. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Let pasta cook until al dente, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid has absorbed, about 8-12 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed. Add ½ cup extra broth or reserved pasta water if the noodles are looking too dry. For an ultra-creamy sauce, stir in 1 cup dairy free shredded cheese or ½ cup dairy free sour cream just before serving.
Christina says
I did everything to a T, and there was way too much liquid at the end 😫 I didn’t even add extra liquid and it was soupy.
Jenna Urben says
I'm so sorry to hear this, Christina! The liquid should mostly absorb as the pasta cooks. Simmering time and the brand of pasta could have affected the final consistency. If it's still too soupy toward the end, try letting it cook a bit longer or using slightly less liquid next time. I appreciate your feedback.