Savor the wholesome delight of our homemade Crockpot Hamburger Helper – a convenient spin on the classic! This simple recipe demands minimal prep; just toss in fresh ingredients, set it, and allow the slow cooker to work its magic.
Comforting dinner recipes such as Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup and this one make weeknight dinners easy. They also pair well with simple side dishes for a complete meal.
What I Love About This Recipe
- Family Friendly – Appeals to all ages, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners.
- Budget Friendly – This recipe is a cost-effective option compared to pre-packaged alternatives, with better flavor.
- Leftover Delight: Tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal option for meal prep and leftovers.
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Helper
- Brown and Sauté. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meat, breaking it apart as it browns. You can also do this in your Crockpot or slow cooker. Add the diced onions and cook for 1 minute before adding the garlic. Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard.
- Cook. Transfer the mixture to your Crockpot or slow cooker and add the zucchini, short-cut pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together and set the cooking time to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Mix in the cheese. With 15 minutes left to cook add the shredded cheese and toss to mix.
- Adjust the consistency if needed. If the mixture is too thick add more broth, milk, or both 1/2 cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Variations
- Add-ins: Some versions of Hamburger Helper include crushed tomatoes or other vegetables such as bell peppers. This recipe is versatile and allows you to customize it to your taste preferences.
Storage and Freezing Instructions:
- Storage Instructions – Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing Instructions – Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
Crockpot Hamburger Helper Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot or Slow Cooker
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 1 large Yellow Onion diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 2 teaspoons Dijon Mustard
- 1 lb Short Cut Pasta
- 2½ cups Beef Broth
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Brown and Sauté. Place a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meat, breaking it apart as it browns. You can also do this in your Crockpot or slow cooker. Add the diced onions and cook for 1 minute before adding the garlic. Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard.
- Cook. Transfer the mixture to your Crockpot or slow cooker and add the zucchini, short-cut pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir everything together and set the cooking time to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Mix in the cheese. With 15 minutes left to cook add the shredded cheese and toss to mix.
- Adjust the consistency if needed. If the mixture is too thick add more broth, milk, or both 1/2 cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Storage and Freezing Information:
- Storage Instructions – Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing Instructions – Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will last for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.