A creamy, one-skillet twist on the classic Hamburger Helper, this Stroganoff is a wholesome, hearty meal made from scratch in just 30 minutes. With ground beef, earthy mushrooms, gluten-free pasta, and a dairy-free sour cream finish, it’s a comforting, better-for-you dinner the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Hamburger Helper Stroganoff is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick, comforting, and full of flavor. Unlike boxed versions, this homemade version is made with real, nourishing ingredients—yet it still comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and kid-friendly, and everything cooks in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
2 tbsp ghee, or olive oil, or vegan butter
-
1 onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
12 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1 tsp sea salt (add more to taste)
-
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
-
2 tsp coconut aminos
-
2 tsp dijon mustard
-
3.5 cups beef broth
-
12 oz gluten-free fusilli
-
½ cup dairy-free sour cream (or regular sour cream or plain non-fat Greek yogurt)
-
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
-
Heat the ghee (or oil) in a large 12-inch deep skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the diced onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
-
Add the ground beef and cook for another 3–5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns.
-
Sprinkle in the thyme and sea salt. Stir to combine.
-
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
-
Add the coconut aminos, dijon mustard, beef broth, and gluten-free pasta. Stir to combine everything well.
-
Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 9–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
-
Stir in the dairy-free sour cream and let the dish rest for a few minutes so the sauce can thicken.
-
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
-
Use Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
-
Make It Creamier: Add an extra ¼ cup of dairy-free sour cream or stir in a splash of dairy-free milk.
-
Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or kale at the end for added nutrients.
-
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat and depth.
-
Classic Version: Use traditional pasta and regular sour cream if you’re not avoiding gluten or dairy.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, when made with certified gluten-free pasta, this dish is completely gluten-free.
What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
You can substitute with tamari or low-sodium soy sauce if gluten isn’t a concern.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use plant-based ground meat, vegan butter or oil, and dairy-free sour cream.
How can I make it more kid-friendly?
Skip the mushrooms or chop them finely so they blend in more, and adjust seasonings to be milder.
Will the pasta get mushy?
As long as you monitor cooking time and stir occasionally, the pasta should stay perfectly al dente.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute, though beef broth adds the richest flavor.
Does this taste like classic Hamburger Helper?
It has the same creamy comfort-food feel but with more depth of flavor and better ingredients.
Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can sauté the ingredients using the sauté function, then pressure cook the pasta for about 4 minutes before stirring in the sour cream.
Conclusion
Hamburger Helper Stroganoff is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Made in one skillet with real ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy, hearty dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for kids or craving nostalgia with a healthy twist, this recipe delivers every time.
Print
Hamburger Helper Stroganoff
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A wholesome, creamy one-skillet Hamburger Helper Stroganoff made with ground beef, mushrooms, gluten-free pasta, and dairy-free sour cream. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ghee, or olive oil, or vegan butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp sea salt (add more to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 3.5 cups beef broth
- 12 oz gluten-free fusilli
- ½ cup dairy-free sour cream (or regular sour cream or plain non-fat Greek yogurt)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the ghee in a large 12-inch deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in dried thyme and sea salt.
- Add apple cider vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in coconut aminos, dijon mustard, beef broth, and gluten-free pasta. Stir to combine.
- Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 9–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in the dairy-free sour cream and let sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use vegan butter and dairy-free sour cream to keep this recipe fully dairy-free.
- Swap in regular sour cream or Greek yogurt if dairy is not an issue.
- Jovial Foods gluten-free fusilli works well, but any short gluten-free pasta can be used.
- Adjust salt and herbs to taste if using different broth brands.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
