The Best Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
A comforting and easy dinner made in the slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights. This homemade Hamburger Helper brings family dinners back to life with rich flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 250 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Beef
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Build the base: Add cooked beef to the slow cooker. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all spices.
- Add liquids & cook: Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Add pasta & creaminess: About 20 minutes before serving, add uncooked elbow macaroni, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
- Finish cooking: Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Add cheese & serve: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Enhance flavors with different cheese varieties. Add more red pepper flakes for spiciness.