Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Yield: 6
Published
Last Updated
This easy savory Slow Cooker Homemade Hamburger Helper is a cozy, slow cooker meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights—just dump, cook, and stir in the noodles before serving!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 1⁄2 cups beef broth
- 1 1⁄2 cups milk
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3⁄4 cup heavy cream
to taste
- salt and pepper
Directions
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess fat. - Add to Slow Cooker:
To the slow cooker, add the cooked ground beef, diced onions, bell pepper, beef broth, milk, marinara sauce, garlic powder, crushed garlic cloves, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. - Cook:
Cover with the lid and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. (This cook time is very flexible) - Add Pasta and Finish:
About 15 minutes before serving, turn the slow cooker to High. Add the uncooked macaroni noodles, shredded cheese, and ½ cup of the heavy cream. Stir to combine and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. - Check and Adjust:
After 15 minutes, check the noodles. If they’re not fully cooked, give them a few more minutes. If the mixture looks a little dry, stir in the remaining ¼ cup of cream until your desired sauciness is reached. Taste for seasonings and enjoy!
