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No need to buy store bought hamburger helper when you can make delicious Crockpot Hamburger helper in your slow cooker. Get dinner on the table fast with this toss and go recipe that taste amazing and everyone will enjoy.

Hamburger Helper in a bowl with a spoon
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Does your family love the boxed version of Hamburger Helper? We sure do and now we have a Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe that is better than anything store bought. This slow cooker hamburger helper is one of our favorite crock pot recipe because of the flavor and simple ingredients.

This recipe turn out great and save money using what you have. I have made this numerous different ways and it was always a hit. Try this Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper, Hamburger Hash Recipe or Easy Hamburger Casserole.

Why We Love This Recipe:

We love to throw everything into the crock when we are starting our day and dinner is waiting for us that evening.  It seems we spend so much time running from place to place and easy meals like this sure make life easier.

I love knowing I don’t have to worry about dinner or the stress of getting take out and spending tons of money. The kids also love this meal making it an all around hit.

This delicious cheeseburger macaroni in the slow cooker is the best hamburger helper recipe. You will love this homemade version that makes dinner time quick and easy.

Ingredients:

Hamburger Helper Ingredients - ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, salt and pepper, italian seasoning, crushed tomatoes, milk, beef broth, uncooked macaroni, cheese
  • Ground Beef
  • Onion
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Minced Garlic
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Crushed Tomatoes
  • Milk
  • Beef Broth
  • Dry Uncooked Macaroni
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Variation ideas:

This recipe is very easy to adapt. Feel free to use what you have in the pantry.

  • Ground turkey. Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. I doubt anyone will notice since ground turkey takes on the flavor around it so easily.
  • Ground chicken. Lighten this dish up by using ground chicken instead of ground beef. It blends nicely with the seasonings and vegetables.
  • Bell peppers. You really aren’t limited to just red peppers. Try using green or yellow bell peppers. I have even used a mix of all 3.
  • Vegetable broth. Try using this instead of beef broth. You can use chicken broth if you decide to substitute the meat with ground chicken.
  • Pasta. You can use type of pasta you have on hand or prefer. Some ideas include, shells, elbow macaroni, bowtie, macaroni noodles and really any type of pasta.
  • Cheese. We used cheddar but any type of shredded cheese would be delicious. Colby jack, pepper jack or mozzarella all sound amazing. I would grate the cheese by hand though because it melts so much smoother. You can use Velveeta cheese to make this creamier.
  • Seasoning – Feel free to add in seasoning to this hamburger helper. Add in black pepper, onion powder, or garlic powder. Worcestershire Sauce is a great addition as well as hot sauce.
  • Tomato Paste – For a thicker consistency, add in tomato paste.

Step by Step Instructions:

Cooking the ground beef in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Step 1 – First, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef until it is brown.

Adding all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stirring with a wooden spoon

Step 2 – Then, put the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker. Next, add the diced onion, bell pepper, Italian Seasoning, salt, pepper, tomatoes, milk and broth. Give it a good stir and make sure everything is well combined.

Stirring in the uncooked macaroni noodles to the hamburger mixture

Step 3 – Finally, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4. The last step is to add the pasta. About 15 minutes to 30 minutes before serving add the pasta to the crock pot. I recommend cooking it al dente because it will continue to cook in the slow cooker.

Topping the hamburger helper with shredded cheese

Step 4 – It will look very watery but don’t worry the pasta will soak it up so you need all that liquid. Place the lid back on and allow this to cook for 15 minutes until the pasta is tender. Right before serving, stir in the cheese until melted. Serve immediately.

Serving ideas:

We often just serve this alone. Everyone loves it and it is truly comfort food at its best.

But if you want to get some veggies in there, a simple side salad goes great with it and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Green Beans are also really tasty too with it.

We have even served with Homemade Dinner Rolls to make sure we get every last drop.

Hamburger helper in the slow cooker with a wooden spoon

Recipe Tips:

  • Crock Pot Recommendations – I like to use this programmable crock pot  for when I am am not at home all day. I love coming home to a nice meal ready and waiting.
  • Crock pot liners make clean up a breeze. These are worth every penny and save a ton of time cleaning up.
  • Freeze cooked ground beef. Save time and freeze ground beef after you brown it. You can save a step and use it for recipes like this one.
  • Chopping Veggies – I use a small food chopper or processor to quickly and easily chop onions and green peppers. If you do not have one of these, I highly recommend them as they are such a time saver.
  • Freezing Veggies – Learn how to freeze peppers and  how to freeze onions and you will save so much time in the kitchen. You can just get what you need from the freezer and toss them in your recipe.

Can you Freeze Hamburger Helper?

Absolutely. You can freeze this up to 3 to 4 months. Just make sure to use an airtight freezer container.

You can also freeze this using freezer bags. I actually prefer this method because it saves space. The bags can lay flat and you can stack them saving precious freezer space.

I also like to freeze a few individual portions for quick lunches or when dinner isn’t the entire family.

Keep in mind that pasta will soften overtime in the freezer. The texture will change but it still tastes very good.

Hamburger Helper in a bowl

Can you Use the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. Feel free to use the pressure cooker to make Instant Pot Hamburger Helper if you don’t have time to slow cook this meal.

  • Cook the ground beef on the saute setting until it is no longer pink.
  • Then add the bell pepper, Italian Seasoning, salt, pepper, tomatoes, milk, broth, and pasta. Make sure everything is well combined and the pasta is covered.
  • Place the lid on and set it to the sealing position. The pressure needs to be set for 5 minutes
  • Finally, do a quick release and stir the homemade hamburger helper to make sure it is not stuck to the bottom. Add the cheese and stir until it is all melted and blended really good.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to Store Leftovers:

Store leftovers inside an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 to 4 days.

How to Reheat:

To reheat, use the microwave or stove top until heated through.

More Crock pot Ground Beef Recipes:

If you make this Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe

4.96 from 87 votes
If you love hamburger helper, give this Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe a try. Crock Pot Hamburger Helper Recipe is the best comfort food and so easy!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 10
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 591

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until it is brown. (Or use your Ninja)
  • Add to a 6 quart slow cooker.
  • Add in the onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, Italian Seasoning, salt, pepper, tomatoes, milk and broth. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4.
  • 15 minutes before serving stir in the pasta. It will look very watery but don’t worry the pasta will soak it up. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until the desired tenderness is reached.
  • Stir in the cheese until melted.
  • Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Often times, my family serves this alone. Everyone loves it and it is truly comfort food at its best. But if you want to get some veggies in there, a simple side salad goes great with it and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Green Beans are also really tasty too with it.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 591kcal, Carbohydrates 39g, Protein 33g, Fat 32g, Saturated Fat 15g, Cholesterol 107mg, Sodium 771mg, Potassium 647mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 7g, Vitamin A 920IU, Vitamin C 19.4mg, Calcium 374mg, Iron 3.3mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.96 from 87 votes (69 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    They will get too mushy. I recommend adding them toward the end of the cook time only.

  2. Carrie Barnard says:

    Oh I’m sorry I’ve never had that problem.

  3. Kit says:

    Tasty, but way too much liquid. Even with the pasta, it comes out as watery as a soup.

  4. Robin O'Kane says:

    HI I am wondering when your recipes (any really) call for Italian seasoning what can I replace it with? There is something in the italian seasoning blend that my family doesn’t like….

  5. Rebekah says:

    I’m making this tomorrow! Can I add the noodles at the start of the day or will they go mushy?

  6. Courtney says:

    Do you have a stovetop version?

  7. Ryan says:

    4 stars
    Just a tad on the watery side. Good taste though.

  8. Sarah Hopkins says:

    My husband read the recipe and thinks we cook the noodles Al dente before putting them in. I read it and think you put them in dry. Which is correct?

  9. Laine says:

    5 stars
    I reduced the milk by one cup and added a cup of cream cheese. Gave it the creamy Hamburger Helper texture. 10/10

  10. Sophia McKenzie says:

    5 stars
    This is THE BEST hamburger helper I have ever had. I often opt for this for a store-bought hamburger helper. It is an excellent dish for a busy lady like me.

  11. Carrie Barnard says:

    yes, I would drain after browning. Thank you

  12. Katrina says:

    Cooking this first time. Do I drain the beef after browning the beef??

  13. Cindy says:

    5 stars
    I made this today it is excellent!

  14. Carrie Barnard says:

    We add that to the crock pot when the ground beef is adding at the beginning. I have updated the recipe to be more clear. Thank you.

  15. JJ says:

    When does the garlic go in?

  16. Carrie says:

    I would wait to add the cheese to the remaining sauce when you’re ready to use that sauce. I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe.

  17. Brit says:

    5 stars
    Wow this is such a great dish! I don’t have a crock pot so I just cooked on low on the stove for 8 hours and still so good. Question, since I am only cooking for 2 people and want leftovers, I will cook only enough pasta for tonight and refrigerate the rest of the sauce. Should I still add cheese to the remaining sauce?

  18. Carrie says:

    I’m so glad you enjoyed it – Thank you for sharing!

  19. Kelsey says:

    This was so easy and good! I used ground turkey and almond milk instead. My boyfriend loved it! Since it’s just 2 of us, there’s TONS of leftovers for lunches this week.

  20. Christine @ myblissfulmess says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so easy, and so delicious! 100% better than the boxed Hamburger Helper, yet just as easy! Oh, and healthier too. I used ground venison in this because I wanted a leaner meat and also, I have a bunch in the freezer. I also used 1% milk and reduced fat sharp cheddar with wonderful results! No one knew the difference! So creamy, perfectly cooked noodles, lots of flavor. Oh my… so good!

  21. Carrie says:

    I have updated the recipe. I add it in the crock pot with the peppers. Thank you.

  22. Claudia Jelden says:

    did I miss something? What happened to the onion after you chopped it?

  23. Carrie says:

    I’m glad you loved it!

  24. Sandy says:

    5 stars
    This was literally heaven in a crock pot!!! Real cheese, milk, no fake hydrogenated unknown ingredients… super simple and I did add another cup of cheese just for good measure. My son hates everything…he yelled from the table, MOM…I NEED MORE!! Thank you for this great recipe!!

  25. Cathy Pollak says:

    5 stars
    I need to make it immediately too.

  26. Cathy Pollak says:

    5 stars
    I am behind this recipe 100%!

  27. Lori says:

    5 stars
    100% better than the box! My family loves this one.

  28. Stephanie Manley says:

    5 stars
    It doesn’t bet any better than this when it comes to comfort food!

  29. Toni Dash says:

    5 stars
    This is so delish! My family really loved it! So yummy!

  30. Barbara Schieving says:

    5 stars
    So much better than hamburger helper.

  31. Joanne says:

    5 stars
    So delicious. Really easy to make too!

  32. Liz says:

    5 stars
    This is so darn easy! Perfect family dinner!

  33. Melissa Sperka says:

    5 stars
    I love making this in my slow cooker!

  34. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says:

    5 stars
    Love your slow cooker version!

  35. Trish Rosenquist says:

    5 stars
    My kids would go crazy for this! I love that it’s done in the slow cooker!