Description
This Super Nostalgic Hamburger Helper is a delicious, dairy-free, and gluten-free twist on the classic comfort food. Made with ground beef, gluten-free pasta, and a creamy cashew-based sauce, this recipe delivers a rich and flavorful meal perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep. The combination of spices and nutritional yeast enhances the savory flavors, while the cashew cream keeps it smooth and satisfying without any dairy.
Ingredients
Cashew Cream Sauce
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 2 cups chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
Pasta
- 12 ounces gluten-free pasta (Jovial macaroni or shells recommended)
Beef and Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose or poultry seasoning
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or tamari
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Cashews: In a heat-proof bowl, cover 1/2 cup raw cashews with just boiled water and let soak for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour. If short on time, simmer the cashews on the stovetop for about 10 minutes until they are pale and plump.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gluten-free pasta and cook according to package instructions, but undercook by about 2 minutes since it will finish cooking later. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and chopped garlic for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and starting to caramelize. Push onions and garlic to the side, add ground beef, and press into a thin layer. Cook, breaking up meat and stirring with onions and garlic until meat is fully cooked and moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon all-purpose or poultry seasoning, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon coconut aminos or tamari. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until spices are aromatic. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Make Cashew Cream Sauce: Drain soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender along with 2 cups broth. Blend on high for at least one minute until completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Finish Pasta: Add cooked pasta and cashew cream sauce to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. The sauce may seem liquidy initially but will thicken quickly to coat the pasta and beef. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time, simmering between additions, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency and the pasta is al dente.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your dairy-free, gluten-free nostalgic Hamburger Helper!
Notes
- If short on time, simmer cashews for 10 minutes instead of soaking.
- Reserve pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency to get the perfect creamy texture.
- Use coconut aminos for a soy-free option or tamari for gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Parsley is optional but adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook pasta initially since it will cook further with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
