Hamburger helper isn’t something I grew up with, but I know a lot of people did. I sure did wish we got it every once in a while, as it is quite delicious, but its so salty and contains a lot of unpronounceable ingredients. I’m also pretty sure the powdered mix would not be gluten free, as most gravies and sauces use wheat flour as a thickener.
Hubby has had hamburger helper a lot more than me in his lifetime, and he said this was a pretty close duplicate from what he remembers.
So if you want that cheesy, beefy taste, this is a great recipe to have. While its higher in fat with using ground beef, it really does add to the authentic taste. Alternatively, you could use ground turkey or chicken. A ground veggie substitute would also work great too if you eat gluten (as most are made with wheat gluten).
I think the kids would really dig this as well!
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushroom, sliced
- 300 g ground lean beef (I used Kirkland Organic Ground Lean Beef, 80% lean, 20% fat) For lower fat, use lean ground turkey or chicken
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 oz cheddar, shredded (1 cup shredded. I used Tillamook Cheddar.)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp gluten-free flour (or flour of choice)
- ½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
- In a skillet on the stove, brown meat. Once almost browned, add in onions, mushroom, salt & pepper and cook until onions are translucent. Meanwhile, prepare the cheese sauce.
- Melt butter in microwave (1 min) or on stove.
- Add flour and whisk until smooth. Add in milk. Microwave (or simmer) for 1 minute.
- Add cheese, whisk some more until combined. If microwaving, nuke it for 30 more seconds.
- Pour cheese sauce over beef mixture and stir until combined.
- Serve with whole grain or gluten free pasta, or spaghetti squash for lower carb. I used gluten free spaghetti in the photo.