Enrich your evening with this low-effort, homemade version of an easy American classic.
The first time I ever had Hamburger Helper, it was at a friend’s house, and I was astonished. Who would have thought that such a simple meal could taste so amazing? Today, the magic is remembered by crafting that childhood meal from scratch in the Crock-Pot.
Crock-Pot hamburger helper takes the most delicious aspects of the store-bought version and elevates them. The savory combo of ground beef, herbs, tomato, macaroni, and cheese makes each bite tender and juicy, with just the right amount of creamy broth and cheese.
And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to use a Crock-Pot. What an invention! As a soon-to-be housewife myself, I celebrate this kind of dish because it’s convenient without sacrificing quality. Start making this recipe at the beginning of the day, and you have the rest of the time to do chores, run errands, and spend time with loved ones. By the time everyone’s home from work, the hamburger helper will be ready—the ideal meal to fill your bellies and warm your hearts.
What is the OG “Hamburger Helper”?
It blows my mind to speak with kids today who’ve never heard of Hamburger Helper, even though it’s still one of the most affordable meal starters at the grocery store. Its popularity boomed in the 1970s, when the price of ground beef was increasing drastically. Consumers needed some hearty food to “help” make one pound of meat go a long way to feed their families. The Betty Crocker brand sold the original product, which was a simple blend of dried pasta and sauce mix. Since its conception, it has become a convenient way to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. This recipe is an homage to that helpful invention, but with fresher, flavorful ingredients.
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure your Crock-Pot hamburger helper has cooled to room temperature. Then, you can transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until piping hot.
Similar recipes to try
Craving a dish that’s a lot like this one, but with penne pasta and more sauce? Try Ground Beef Casserole, an oven-baked masterpiece that also rivals the OG Hamburger Helper with tender macaroni and juicy beef. There’s also Hamburger Soup, which is especially comforting on cold nights when you want to sip a nourishing burger-flavored broth. But if you’re looking to get more use out of your slow cooker, then try Crock-Pot Cheeseburger Soup for the perfect blend of cheesy and creamy.
Crock-Pot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
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Transfer the browned beef to your Crock-Pot. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, crushed tomatoes, low-fat milk, heavy cream, and beef broth. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
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About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the Crock-Pot and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 15 minutes.
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Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well mixed. Garnish with fresh parsley when serving.
Nutrition
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