Crockpot Hamburger Helper: A Creamy, Cheesy Slow Cooker Dinner

Crockpot Hamburger Helper turns a familiar weeknight plate into a hands-off slow cooker dinner. Ground beef, onion, tomato sauce, broth, and elbow pasta cook together until the pasta is tender and the sauce turns thick and cheesy, with a final handful of cheddar melted in at the end. It is the kind of dinner that waits patiently for you, and it feeds a family from one pot with very little washing up.

More Recipes You May Like

If you enjoy slow cooker comfort food, try our Slow Cooker Beef Chili for another set-it-and-forget-it dinner, and our Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake when you want a cheesy pasta bake with a little heat.

Photo credit: Hamburger Helper by LWYang, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.

Why This Recipe Works

• The slow cooker builds flavor slowly, so the beef, tomato, and seasonings taste fully blended by serving time.
• The pasta cooks in the sauce, which thickens it naturally and keeps every bite coated.
• Cheddar goes in at the end, so it melts into a smooth, glossy sauce instead of turning grainy.
• One pot covers the main dish, which keeps weeknight cleanup short.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk or cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving (optional)

(full list in card)

How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Helper

Step 1: Brown the beef

Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles, until no pink remains. Drain off excess fat, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Load the slow cooker

Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.

Step 3: Add the pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it is covered by the sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the pasta is tender.

Step 4: Make it cheesy and serve

Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Let the pot stand, covered, for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens, then serve hot with chopped parsley if you like.

Tips

• Stir the pasta once during its cooking time so it cooks evenly and does not clump.
• If the sauce looks thin at the end, let it stand uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes; it thickens as it cools slightly.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese works but melts a little less evenly.
• Taste and adjust the salt after the cheese goes in, since cheese adds salt of its own.

Storage

Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth, stirring until the sauce loosens again. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook this on HIGH the whole time?

Yes. Cook the beef and sauce on HIGH for about 1 hour 30 minutes, then add the pasta and cook for a further 20 to 25 minutes until tender. Check the pasta early, since slow cookers vary.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Small shapes such as shells, rotini, or penne work well. Keep the amount the same and check for tenderness a few minutes early, since shapes cook at different rates.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Cook the beef and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat it in the slow cooker, then add the pasta and cheese as directed, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.

What should I serve with it?

A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or garlic bread all pair well, since the pasta itself is rich and filling.