This Crock Pot Hamburger Helper is a breeze to make. After browning the ground beef, just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, adding the pasta at the end. The result is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings all the nostalgia of a childhood classic– now with more wholesome ingredients.
In a large skillet, brown the hamburger until it is fully cooked. Drain off excess fat and add to the crock pot.
add onion, bell pepper, salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, mushroom soup and beef broth.
Cover and cook on low for 5-7 hours or high for 2½-3½.
Thirty minutes before cooking time is finished, add macaroni pasta and stir into the mixture. Cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes.
When the pasta is done cooking, add in cheddar cheese and stir until well combined.
Serve while hot. Enjoy!
Notes
Cook the beef ahead of time: Want to spend less time on prep? Brown the ground beef ahead of time, freeze it, then thaw when you need it.
Enhance the flavor: Sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the crock pot to make the dish even more delicious.
Be mindful of opening the crock pot lid: It’s okay to stir occasionally in the first half of cooking in the crock pot, but don't lift the lid while the macaroni is cooking.
Add color and flavor: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.