Why buy hamburger helper at the grocery store when you can easily make your own Crockpot Hamburger Helper in the slow cooker.
With only 5 minutes of prep time, this is a recipe with delicious flavor, perfect for busy weeknights!
It's an easy recipe that slow cooks while you do this crazy thing called life!
Why you'll love this homemade hamburger helper recipe
I'm not gonna lie, that boxed version of hamburger helper is pretty tasty. But then I started to wonder, what exactly do they put into that box?
And of course, that lead me to start thinking about making a homemade version of hamburger helper. I have a brain that never quits thinking, when it comes to recipes.
So here we are with an easy dinner idea you're gonna love! Now, let me tell you why!
- This is a great recipe the whole family loves. It cooks in only 2-3 hours, making it one of those easy meals you can make towards the end of the day.
- This recipe is a cousin to the equally delicious Instant Pot Chili Mac and One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese. Except, of course, it's made in the slow cooker.
- Anytime everything cooks at once like homemade beefaroni or sloppy joes, it's a beautiful thing. Because let's be honest, when it comes to weeknight dinner options, we all just want the easy route.
Ingredients
Simple ingredients are all you need!
- ground beef
- onion
- bell pepper - any color works! I usually reach for the green peppers for a pop of color
- garlic
- elbow macaroni noodles - You can use any type of short pasta in this recipe.
- salt and black pepper
- oregano
- dried parsley
- granulated sugar
- soy sauce - Worcestershire sauce can also be used instead.
- milk
- beef broth
- diced tomatoes
- cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley - if you're feeling fancy.
How to make Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, then add the onion, pepper, and garlic and continue to brown ground beef until no longer pink.
Add the beef mixture, macaroni, spices, sugar, soy sauce, milk, beef broth, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours
The time may change depending on your slow cooker and the way you like your pasta to be cooked, al dente or tender. After the cooking time is over, stir in cheese.
Give a quick stir until everything is well combined.
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Variations
You can make even your picky eaters happy at dinner time with some tweaks. It'll become a family favorite!
- Use ground turkey or ground pork in place of the hamburger meat
- Skip the browning step by using leftover taco meat. You'll have a Tex-Mex version
- Add some heat to this dish by stirring in a diced jalapeño pepper with the beef mixture.
- Use your favorite shredded cheese in this recipe. I like to use cheddar, but you can use any type that you like.
Tips
- All crockpots and taste buds operate a little differently. If your pasta isn't cooked to your liking after the cooking time, you can turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for another 15-20 minutes.
Since the crock is already hot, the pasta will continue to cook and finish off.
- This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a larger crowd. Simply use a larger slow cooker and cook for the same amount of time.
FAQS
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
My kids are always asking me to do this (totally, 100% kidding). Grab a bag of frozen diced peas and carrots. You can add them straight from frozen and they'll thaw as it cooks.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can easily be made ahead of time and frozen for later. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker. You can keep leftovers for up to 3 months in the freezer.
I've never had hamburger helper. What does it taste like?
I feel like I should shake your hand and tell you; you're gonna love this. The texture is creamy, kind of like a casserole. The pasta soaks up some of the richness as it cooks giving a savory touch.
Then there's just a little bit of unami and sweetness from the soy and sugar. We're hitting all the taste buds on this one, friends!
How to store leftovers
This recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until it's hot and bubbly. It won't take much.
What to serve with crockpot hamburger helper
This is a hearty meal itself, so let's add a little bit of vegetables to the mix! Green beans or peas pair perfectly with this recipe.
Heck, grab a steamable bag from the freezer section at the store and you're good to go! Or, a simple side salad with a little ranch dressing is delicious, too!
More easy slow cooker recipes
Crockpot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup diced onion
- 1 bell pepper diced I use green
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoon dry parsley
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley optional
Want To Save This Recipe For Later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later!
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, then add the onion, pepper, and garlic and continue to brown ground beef until no longer pink.
- Add the beef mixture, macaroni, spices, sugar, soy sauce, milk, beef broth, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours (The time may change depending on your slow cooker and the way you like your pasta to be cooked, al dente or tender.
- After the cooking time is over, stir in cheese. Give a quick stir until everything is well combined.
Serve warm and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color.
Notes
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
