Vegan Hamburger Helper (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

This one-pot Vegan Hamburger Helper is an easy homemade recipe for the classic boxed cheeseburger pasta! Gluten-free and allergy-free, this dairy-free cheeseburger macaroni is hearty, full of flavor, and ready in 20 minutes! This budget-friendly weeknight dinner recipe is healthier, meatless but, packed with protein, and something kids and adults will love!

Betty Crocker's Hamburger Helper has been a staple in many households for decades. With different variations of the boxed dinner options, the cheeseburger macaroni was the most iconic. Not so ideal for those who are gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free...until now! The classic cheesy, beefy, creamy pasta you grew up with, can now be prepared with this super easy copycat recipe right at home and be enjoyed by everyone in the family no matter what their dietary restrictions are!

What Is Hamburger Helper?

The classic packaged boxed dinner contained dried pasta and a packet of seasonings. It was easy to customize with different meats and add-ins, but the original hamburger pasta only required the addition of beef, water, and milk. (Even the cheeseburger varieties didn't require you to supply your own cheese). It was super easy to brown the meat and simmer on the stove as a cheap and budget-friendly family dinner on those busy weeknights when you just needed to get your family fed with something they would like! With the flavors of a perfectly seasoned hamburger, cheddar cheese, the zing of pickles, and carbiness of bread, it was a meal steeped in nostalgia.

Why You'll Love This Vegan Recipe

This meatless version is just as quick, easy, hearty, and delicious as the original, but completely vegan and gluten-free! Packed with vegan beef crumbles, gluten-free macaroni, tomato, and dairy-free cheese, you can enjoy one flavor-packed dinner in minutes! This recipe is:

• Gluten-Free
• Vegan & Vegetarian
• Allergy-free (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Corn-Free, Coconut-Free)
• Kid-Friendly
• 100% Customizable
• Quick & Easy, Made In 20 Minutes
• Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Friendly
• Dinner For A Crowd & Leftovers For Lunch

Ingredients For Vegan Hamburger Helper

• Gluten-Free Macaroni Pasta: You can use any small gluten-free pasta. Shells would be fantastic, but macaroni is a classic!
• Beefless Crumbles: Beyond Meat's Beefless crumbles are allergy-free. No soy or gluten, so they make a fantastic pre-seasoned option for this vegetarian hamburger pasta! Another great allergen-free brand for beef crumbles is Abbots Butcher.
• Onion: Some chopped sweet onions for maximum flavor!
• Non-Dairy Milk: Any unsweetened plain non-dairy milk you have on hand will work. I opted for thicker canned coconut milk.
• Vegetable Broth: Instead of water, I like to use a low-sodium or salt-free veggie broth for more flavor. You still can use an equal amount of water.
• Yellow Mustard: For that tart and tangy spice of mustard; a staple condiment for burgers!
• Ketchup: The other staple condiment on cheeseburgers, is sweet and vinegary ketchup! This is part one of the tomato ingredients to include.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Adding in some fire-roasted crushed tomatoes adds a delicious grilled smokey flavor and refreshing tomato taste. (You can also use plain crushed tomatoes!)
• Pickle Juice: Tangy pickles belong on burgers, so adding a tablespoon of real dill pickle juice from a jar is the secret ingredient to making the flavors of this dish really shine.
• Seasonings: Any combination of black pepper, garlic, oregano, and a hint of paprika. You can season to taste, add, or subtract any herbs and spices you want.
• Vegan Cheddar Shreds: Use your favorite brand of vegan cheddar cheese shreds! If you want to stick with just the original hamburger flavor, you can skip the cheese. If you want the full cheeseburger flavor, the sharp cheddar is a must!

Substitutions And Other Add-Ins

• Add More Veggies: Increase the veggies in this meal by including some chopped bell pepper, add spice with diced jalapeños, toss in some spinach, or riced cauliflower! Frozen mixed veggies like peas and corn work great too!
• Things You Can Leave Out: If you hate pickles, leave out the pickle juice and swap in salty olives. Don't want mustard? Leave out the yellow mustard or swap it with a different kind like dijon or honey!
• Swap Tomato With BBQ: Replace the crushed tomatoes with an equal amount of your favorite bbq sauce!
• Cheesiness Without The Cheese: You can still get a cheesy flavor without the need for processed cheese shreds. Use 2-3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast instead! You can even add ½ to ¾ cup of this homemade vegan cheese sauce!
• Other Spice Ideas: Try some chili powder and cumin for more of a taco flavor. Add in a splash of coconut aminos for umami or hot sauce for spice. Dried or fresh herbs work great like cilantro, dill, or parsley.

How To Make Make Hamburger Helper Without Meat

1. In a large skillet or pot, brown and saute the onion, frozen Beyond Beef crumbles, and seasonings together.
2. Add the dry pasta, broth, non-dairy milk, mustard, ketchup, crushed tomato, and pickle juice.
3. Bring the skillet to a slight boil before reducing the heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
4. Stir in the vegan cheddar cheese until slightly melted, remove the skillet from the heat and serve!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• If you are adding extra veggies, add them in when you saute the onion.
• If the liquid gets absorbed too quickly, add in a few extra tablespoons of broth or water.
• Stir the pasta once or twice during the cooking process so nothing sticks or becomes clumpy.
• Add the cheese at the end of the cooking process. This way the cheddar shreds are still melty and create that mouthwatering cheese pull when you plate it up to serve!
• There's no egg in hamburger helper, but it naturally thickens as the dish cools.

Topping Ideas

• Add some extra vegan cheddar cheese shreds or even another cheese shred variety like mozzarella!
• Add a dollop of vegan sour cream or guacamole for some taco-inspired flavors.
• Add a sprinkle of dried or fresh herbs for some more green to make your plate pop!
• Add some crumbled coconut bacon for a smokey bacon burger twist!

What To Serve With Vegan Cheeseburger Pasta

You can serve this easy dinner all by itself or pair it with some of these simple sides!

• A simple side salad
• Air fryer veggies like green beans, brussels sprouts, broccoli, or okra
• Crispy gluten-free sourdough garlic bread or buttery biscuits
• Refreshing cucumber salad or an old-fashioned three bean salad

Leftovers And Storage Instructions

• You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat the gluten-free pasta in a pot on the stove over medium to low heat. Add a splash of broth or dairy-free milk to get the pasta moving again and thin out the sauce. The dish thickens as it cools. You can also reheat small portions in the microwave if you're short on time.
• I don't recommend freezing this cheeseburger pasta as the texture of the gluten-free noodles will diminish. However, if you still plan on freezing it, make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag with all the air sucked out. Store for up to 4-6 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

More Hearty Vegan Pasta Recipes:

• Baked Vegan Bacon Ranch Pasta Skillet
• Baked Vegan Mac & Cheese
• One-Pot Cajun Pasta
• Classic Gluten-Free Vegan Baked Ziti
• Cheesy Vegan Gluten-Free Orzo Stuffed Peppers

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Pure and simple nostalgic comfort food! This cheesy beefy vegan cheeseburger pasta is going to be your family's new favorite weeknight meal! So simple, quick, and easy, no wonder it's been a staple for so long...no it's just healthier and gluten-free!

So tell me:

+ Did you grow up eating Hamburger Helper? Maybe the tuna one, but I don't think I ever had the real thing!

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