Crock-Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
This Crock-Pot hamburger helper is the best slow-cooker dinner, featuring creamy cheddar, seasoned beef, and tender elbow macaroni.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Dish / Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker / Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Homemade Dinner
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef, seasoned with salt & pepper
8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
15 ounces crushed tomatoes
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook 3–5 minutes until beef is browned, crumbling as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Transfer to Crock-Pot: Place the beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker.
Add Seasonings & Liquids: Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours.
Add Pasta & Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, heavy cream, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and continue cooking until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
Finish & Serve: Stir well before serving. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Notes
Pressure Cooker Variation: You can also make this in a pressure cooker by layering ingredients (uncooked pasta on the bottom, then tomatoes and broth), sealing, and cooking on high pressure for 5 minutes, then stirring in cream and cheese.
Add Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra nutrition.
Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Make Ahead: Assemble in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
Find it online: https://allcookedup.com/crock-pot-homemade-hamburger-helper/
