Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper (Creamy, Cheesy, Better Than the Box!)
This easy Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper is a cheesy, comforting one-pot meal made from scratch with pantry staples, no boxed mix needed! A dump-and-go crockpot dinner the whole family will love.
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker (6 qt) Larger if doubling the recipe
- 1 Skillet (optional) For browning ground beef
- 1 Cheese grater For freshly shredding cheddar
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef 85/15 or 90/10 lean recommended
- 2.5 cups Beef broth Low-sodium preferred
- 1.5 cups Milk Whole or 2%
- 8 oz Elbow macaroni Or rotini/small shells
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded melts best
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste Or use 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Seasonings
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt Or to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper Or to taste
- Optional Add-ins
- 0.5 cup Diced tomatoes Adds extra flavor and moisture
- 0.5 cup Diced bell peppers Optional for veggie boost
- 2 tbsp Cream cheese Optional — for ultra creamy finish
Instructions
- Brown the beef (optional):
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the base:
- Into the slow cooker, add beef broth, milk, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook low and slow:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- Add pasta:
- Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover again and cook for 30–40 minutes, until pasta is tender. Stir once halfway through if possible.
- Add cheese:
- Turn off heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (and cream cheese if using). Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add pasta only toward the end to avoid overcooking.
- Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.
- For a gluten-free version, cook GF pasta separately and stir it in before serving.