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Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

Make the best Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper with ground beef, pasta, cheddar cheese, and a rich creamy tomato sauce. Easy, comforting, and family-friendly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
  7. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
  8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
  9. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Browning the beef first improves the flavor and texture.
  • Stir the pasta once or twice during the last 30 minutes if possible.
  • Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than packaged shredded cheese.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.