Try this 20-minute skillet beef and gluten free noodles recipe. It’s a quick & tasty meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy days!
This post has been updated with more helpful tips, new photos, and a video.
Today, I’ve got a special recipe for you that’s been a hit in my family for generations. Skillet Beef and Gluten-Free Noodles: seasoned ground beef, mingling with tender elbow pasta, all coated in a velvety, mouthwatering gravy.
You’re absolutely going to love this pick from my Tasty Ground Beef Recipes collection!
First things first, you won’t believe how quick and easy it is to whip up this delicious meal. In just twenty minutes, you’ll have a plate full of goodness that’ll satisfy everyone around your table.
Mmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
The story of this recipe goes back to my husband, John’s childhood. He’s been a fan of this dish ever since he was a little tike. The secret to this incredible recipe was passed down to me by my mother-in-law when we tied the knot.
But here’s the best part – it’s not just a hit with kids; us grownups can’t get enough of it either! In fact, it’s earned itself a catchy nickname in our home – we lovingly call it “Elbows & Meat.”
And hey, if beef isn’t your thing, no worries! You can easily switch it up by using ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, ground sausage, or even ground lamb. It’s all about making this meal work for your taste.
Love how fun these noodles are? You should totally check out my complete noodle recipe collection.
Or for another twist, don’t miss my Zoodles with Buttery Beef Gluten Free Gravy for a similar deliciously rich and satisfying dish, but it’s made with zucchini noodles!
So, are you ready to get cooking? Grab that skillet, boil some gluten-free elbow pasta, and let’s get started on this delightful dish together!
Here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients
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Gluten free elbow pasta – I have used Jovial rice elbow pasta or Tinkyada or Sam Mills Pasta d’oro corn elbows. They all have good texture and taste.
Ground beef – 80/20 chuck works best. The percentage of fat adds flavor to the dish. You can go with leaner meat if you prefer.
Onions – You can use white, sweet, or yellow onion.
For gravy:
Butter and gluten free flour – Cook creamy butter and flour to make a paste, which serves as the base to thicken our gravy. I use gluten free all purpose flour.
Broth – I choose chicken broth for its savory flavor. You can go with beef or vegetable broth if you prefer.
Salt and pepper – These seasonings balance the flavors and bring out the best in every ingredient.
Parsley- for garnish
Instructions
*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post.
First, start a pot of water for your noodles. Bring to a boil and cook your noodles according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat your skillet to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the minced onions and continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
Then season the beef mixture with salt.
With a slotted spoon, transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl, cover, and set aside.
Drain the pan. I like to reserve a tablespoon of the fat. This way the gravy maintains a pleasant texture and flavor.
Now make your gravy in the same skillet.
This velvety smooth gravy will coat the beef and pasta, elevating the dish to comfort food heaven.
To thicken our gravy, we’ll make a roux. Here’s how.
Whisk together 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour in the pan over a low heat.
Continue to stir, scraping up the bits on the bottom of the pan. And slowly cook the flour mixture until it’s dark with a nutty aroma. About 4-5 minutes. The longer you cook the roux, the color will deepen to golden brown.
Then add 3 cups of broth. Whisk and simmer so that the gravy stays smooth while it thickens.
Season with a half of a teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper.
Now add the meat mixture along with any drippings back into the pan and stir with the gravy. Simmer while the meat adds even more color and flavor to the gravy.
Finally, gently combine the noodles with your cooked meat and heat through while the elbows absorb the gravy. Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper.
And boom. That’s it! Reach for a spoon and savor every last drop.
Side dish suggestions:
- Creamy coleslaw – this creamy sugar free coleslaw can complement the richness of the beef and noodles while providing a nice textural contrast.
- Sautéed broccoli with garlic – tender broccoli in a luscious blend of oil and garlic is a nutritious and colorful addition to the plate.
- Bacon wrapped asparagus – this simple and tasty side pairs well with beef dishes.
- Crisp green salad with apple cider vinaigrette – this is a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors of the skillet beef and noodles.
- Crusty garlic bread – Sop up the gravy with warm, garlic-infused bread!
Pro tips and recipe notes
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef? Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, ground sausage, or ground lamb for a tasty twist.
2. How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, replace the butter in the gravy with a non-dairy alternative or olive oil.
3. Can I add vegetables to the dish? Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
4. How can I make the dish spicier? If you prefer a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while seasoning the beef.
5. Can I use gluten-free spaghetti instead of elbow pasta? Sure thing! Feel free to swap elbow pasta for your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or any other pasta shape you prefer.
6. How do I adjust the serving size for a larger group? Simply double or triple the ingredients to accommodate more people. The recipe is easily scalable.
7. Is this dish suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! Skillet beef and gluten-free noodles are perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy quick and delicious meals throughout the week.
8. Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely! Store any leftover skillet beef and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw and reheat when craving strikes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this quick and easy skillet beef and gluten-free noodles recipe is designed to bring joy and satisfaction with every scrumptious bite.
And if you have any questions, please reach out to me in the comments or shoot me an email and I’ll respond ASAP!
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20 Minute Skillet Beef And Gluten Free Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 2 tablespoons of minced onion
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of gluten free flour I use Bob's Red Mill all purpose flour
- 3 cups of gluten free broth
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- dash of pepper
- 10 ounces gluten free elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Cook pastaFirst, start a pot of water for your noodles. Bring to a boil and cook your noodles according to package directions.10 ounces gluten free elbow macaroni
- Cook ground beefMeanwhile, heat your skillet to medium-high heat. Once it's hot add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the minced onions and continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Then season the beef mixture with a few pinches of salt. With a slotted spoon, transfer the beef mixture to a large bowl, cover, and set aside.Drain the pan. I like to reserve a tablespoon of the fat. This way the gravy maintains a pleasant texture and flavor.2 pounds of ground beef, 2 tablespoons of minced onion
- Easy velvety gravyTo thicken our gravy, we'll make a roux. Here's how. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour in the same pan over a low heat. Continue to stir, scraping up the bits on the bottom of the pan. And slowly cook the flour mixture until it's dark with a nutty aroma. About 4-5 minutes. The longer you cook the roux, the color will deepen to golden brown.Then add 3 cups of broth and stir continuously so that the gravy stays smooth while it thickens. Bring to a boil and then turn the flame down to a simmer, for about 1 more minute. Season with a half of a teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper.3 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of gluten free flour, 3 cups of gluten free broth, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, dash of pepper
- Now add the meat mixture along with any drippings back into the pan and stir with the gravy. Simmer, about 2 minutes, while the meat adds even more color and flavor to the gravy.
- By now your noodles should be ready. Gently, combine the noodles with your cooked meat and heat through while the elbows absorb the gravy.
Notes
Nutrition
These are Sam Mills Pasta d’oro corn elbows.
These are Sam Mills Pasta d’oro corn elbows.
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Thomas Walker says
I gave up taking in anything with gluten in it years ago and weight fell off as well as the mysterious pain in your body disappeared. If my group is ‘bad” and indulge inside a slice of pizza or pasta i endure a gluten hangover the examples below day. I think the obesity epidemic in the states could perhaps be managed if these people stopped eating gluten!
Astrid says
I have never tried gluten-free pasta, but would love to try it. Sounds yummy.