Crock Pot Hamburger Helper

My whole family loves this Crock Pot Hamburger Helper. This cheeseburger macaroni is completely made from scratch and packed with flavor. It’s definitely a meal you will add to your list of comfort food faves!

You’ll never want the boxed version again after trying this super simple, cheesy, saucy cheeseburger macaroni made in the crockpot!

I’m sure I am not alone when I say that the brand name boxed version was generally on my shopping list when I was single and starting out on my own. We have all been guilty of it a time or two, right!?!? It seemed so simple and a great time saver.

I guess maybe it was at the time, but now that I have a family and I am feeding a small army at times, making Crock Pot Hamburger Helper is definitely the more economical and healthy way to go.

And of course, it’s much more delicious! 😉

I love knowing that this easy version is homemade and I never have to worry about whether some of my picky eaters walk away with an empty belly.

This Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe is requested often in my house and I will call that a win, every single time, in my book!

If you want more delish ground beef recipes, try my Taco Cups with Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce, The Best Beef Stroganoff, or The Very Best Sloppy Joes.

Ingredients Needed For Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious weeknight dinner recipe.

• Ground Beef – 80/20 or higher is leaner and will not produce as much grease
• Onion
• Minced Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tomato Paste – will thicken, add color and enrich the flavor of the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce – adds a zing of sweet and savory with a little zip of vinegar.
• Crushed Tomatoes – diced tomatoes will be a good substitute if you like smaller or less tomatoes.
• Beef Broth
• Milk – the milk will give the hamburger helper a delicious creaminess.
• Elbow Noodles – the same type of noodles used in mac and cheese and will hold up well in the crockpot.
• Shredded Cheese – mild or sharp cheddar is my favorite, but you could try other cheeses too.

How To Make Crock Pot Hamburger Helper

This version of Crock Pot Hamburger Helper might be just a LITTLE more involved than the boxed version, but I promise that it’s totally worth it!

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Step 1

Cook ground beef completely in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add cooked ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and tomatoes to the crockpot. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 3

Stir in beef broth and milk mixing thoroughly.

Step 4

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours.

Step 5

When there is only 20 – 30 minutes left of cook time, add the elbow noodles to the mixture.

Step 6

Cover with lid for the remaining 20 – 30 minutes. Stir in shredded cheese just before serving.

Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe Notes And Tips

• You can add whatever type of shredded cheese that you like best. I would use a cheese block and shred it instead of using the bagged shredded cheese. The blocks have less added starch and will not be as stringy and gooey.

• Add in some chopped red or green peppers for some added flavor and color.

• If you prefer a creamier mixture, use Velveeta in place of the shredded cheese or use a little bit of each.

Variations Of Crock Pot Hamburger Helper To Try

• You can use a different type of pasta depending on what you might have on hand. Bow-tie or shells will be nice substitutes of that is your choice.

• If you prefer a leaner meat, use bison, ground chicken, or ground turkey.

• Add a splash of hot sauce or some taco seasoning for a little spice or taco flavor.

• Put dollop of sour cream, a pinch of shredded cheese, and/or some chopped green onions on the top before serving.

FAQs

Can I put raw hamburger in the crock pot to cook?

Sure you can! However, due to the volume of ingredients included in this recipe, I would recommend cooking it ahead of time. If your crockpot has a saute setting, you can brown the hamburger right in the crockpot before adding the remaining ingredients.

Can I freeze the Crock Pot Hamburger Helper?

You can definitely freeze this Hamburger Helper. Just keep in mind that once you remove it from the freezer and thaw it out, the texture of the pasta will become softer but the delicious flavor will remain. 😁

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How long will this Crock Pot Hamburger Helper keep in the fridge?

If you have any leftovers, put them in a storage container and place them in the refrigerator for about 3 – 4 days. You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven.

To reheat in the oven, be sure to cover with aluminum foil to keep the pasta from drying out.

What would be a good side dish to pair with the Crock Pot Hamburger Helper?

Crescent rolls or dinner rolls would be delicious along with a salad or your favorite veggie. I often serve fresh green beans or asparagus as a side dish with my Hamburger Helper.

More Yummy Crock Pot Recipes To Try

• Easy Three Bean Slow Cooker Chili
• Slow Cooker Tangy Barbeque Chicken
• Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter
• Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
• Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

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