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Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

A quick and easy creamy dish made with ground beef, pasta, and cheese, cooked in a slow cooker for a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1½ cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add cooked beef to the slow cooker along with onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Stir to combine.
Cooking
  1. Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  2. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked pasta, heavy cream, and cream cheese.
  3. Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding other veggies like mushrooms or carrots. Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Make sure to stir well after adding cheese to ensure it melts evenly. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preference.