Dairy-Free Hamburger Helper
Rediscover a beloved classic with a healthier, dairy-free twist! This comforting skillet dish features savory seasoned ground beef and tender elbow noodles, all swimming in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. It's a quick, satisfying meal that brings back nostalgic flavors without any dairy, making it perfect for weeknights and family dinners.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Nostalgic Comfort, Dairy-Free: Recreates a classic childhood favorite without any dairy, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimizes cleanup as everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Packed with Flavor: A rich, savory sauce with seasoned beef and tender noodles for a satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients found in most pantries.
Ingredients
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approximately 150 grams)
- 454 grams (1 pound) ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
- 15-20 ml (1 tablespoon) minced garlic (about 3 to 4 cloves)
- 7.5 ml (1½ teaspoons) salt, or to taste
- 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) smoked paprika
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) onion powder
- 1.25 ml (¼ teaspoon) black pepper
- 60 ml (¼ cup) nutritional yeast
- 227 gram (8 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 946 ml (32 ounces or about 4 cups) beef broth
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Frank's Red Hot Sauce, or to taste
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) Dijon mustard
- 225-270 grams (3 cups) dry elbow noodles (also called macaroni noodles)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) dairy-free sour cream, or to taste (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. This step builds the aromatic base for the sauce.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it is thoroughly browned, ensuring no pink remains. This typically takes 7-10 minutes. Properly browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents the finished dish from being overly oily. Once drained, add the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Stir in all the dry spices: salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and nutritional yeast. Cook for another minute, stirring, to allow the spices to bloom and release their aromas. The nutritional yeast contributes a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Frank's Red Hot Sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to fully combine all the ingredients and create a cohesive sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the dry elbow noodles to the simmering sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue to cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and the sauce has thickened significantly, with most of the liquid being absorbed by the noodles.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. If using, stir in the dairy-free sour cream until thoroughly combined. This optional step adds an extra layer of creaminess and tang. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting dairy-free meal!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (optional, for draining grease)
Essential Success Tips
- Don't Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles and remove the skillet from heat once they are al dente. They will continue to absorb liquid slightly as the dish rests.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Feel free to increase or decrease the Frank's Red Hot Sauce based on your preference for heat. A dash of cayenne pepper can also boost the spice.
- Proper Browning: Ensure the ground beef is well-browned before adding other ingredients. This crucial step contributes significantly to the dish's overall flavor profile.
- Stir Frequently: When the noodles are cooking, stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Nutritional Yeast is Key: Don't skip the nutritional yeast! It provides that savory, slightly cheesy depth that makes this dairy-free version truly satisfying.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Layering Flavor: Toasting the spices for a minute after draining the beef helps to bloom their essential oils, intensifying their flavor before the liquids are added.
- Umami Boost: A splash of tamari or soy sauce (if not gluten-free) along with the Worcestershire can deepen the savory, umami notes even further, creating a more complex flavor profile.
- Rest for Richness: Allow the finished dish to rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a richer, more cohesive texture.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb sauce, so you may wish to add a splash of extra beef broth or water when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Sour Cream Variation: The dairy-free sour cream is optional but highly recommended for an extra creamy finish. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can omit it. Ensure your chosen dairy-free sour cream is plain and unsweetened.
- Protein Swaps: This dish also works well with ground turkey or a plant-based ground crumble for a different dietary approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply ensure you use certified gluten-free elbow noodles and verify that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free. Most brands offer suitable alternatives.
What can I use if I don't have nutritional yeast?
While nutritional yeast is ideal for its cheesy, umami flavor, if you don't have it, you can still make the dish. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still delicious. Some people opt for a pinch of dried mustard powder as a substitute for a subtle tang, but it won't replicate the cheesy note.
Why did my sauce become too thick or too thin?
The consistency of the sauce can vary based on the specific brand of noodles (which can absorb liquid differently) and how much you simmer. If it's too thick, add a splash more beef broth. If it's too thin, continue to simmer gently, uncovered, for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (approximate): Calories: 480, Protein: 35g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 38g, Fiber: 4g. (Varies slightly based on specific ingredients and portion sizes).
Allergy Information
This recipe is dairy-free and can be made gluten-free with appropriate noodle and ingredient substitutions. Contains beef. For a soy-free version, ensure your dairy-free sour cream and Worcestershire sauce are soy-free. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
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