Slow Cooker Homemade Hamburger Helper

Growing up in the 80’s Hamburger Helper was one of the meals every family had on their table.  It was creamy, cozy and came together fast.  Now, you can recreate the same nostalgia with real food ingredients in this healthier, slow cooker version. It’s and easy weeknight dinner and a kid-friendly meal that’s become our go to for busy weeknights. I love that I can turn it to “keep warm” and everyone can grab a hot meal when they walk in the door- no boxed mix required.

Ingredient Preview

• organic ground beef
• onion
• pink Himalayan salt
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• smoked paprika
• black pepper
• garlic
• cream cheese
• organic tomato paste
• organic fire roasted tomatoes
• organic beef broth
• organic heavy cream
• macaroni
• sharp cheddar cheese

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Slow Cooker Homemade Hamburger Helper

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: busy family recipe, easy recipes, hamburger helper, slow cooker

Servings: 6 people

Equipment

• 1 slow cooker

Ingredients

• 1 lb organic ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 1½ tsp pink Himalayan salt
• 1 tsp organic garlic powder
• 1 tsp organic onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp organic tomato paste
• 14.5 oz organic fire roasted tomatoes
• 24 oz organic beef broth
• ½ cup organic heavy cream
• 8 oz macaroni or similar shaped pasta I like using Goodles Curve Balls for the extra nutritional benefits
• 2½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

• In an all-in-one slow cooker, turn heat to sear and 325℉. Add in 1 lb organic ground beef, 1 onion chopped, 1½ tsp pink Himalayan salt, 1 tsp organic garlic powder, 1 tsp organic onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp black pepper and 2 cloves garlic chopped.
• Use a spatula to break up the meat. Cook until meat is cooked through about 8 minutes.
• Add in 4 oz cream cheese and 2 tbsp organic tomato paste. Stir well.
• Add in 14.5 oz organic fire roasted tomatoes and 24 oz organic beef broth.
• Turn to slow cook high for 4 hours or slow cook low for 8 hours.
• 40 minutes before serving, if you had the slow cooker on low turn it to high. Add in the ½ cup organic heavy cream and 8 oz macaroni or similar shaped pasta. Stir and let simmer for 20 minutes. Stir again and check the doneness of the pasta.
• When the pasta is done, stir in the 2½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and let melt through.
• Serve with your favorite vegetables.

Storage and Freezer Tips

Refrigerator: Store in an air tight glass container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Freezer: Let cook to room temperature.  Store in individual portions in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.  I like using Souper Cubes, freezing for a few hours and then placing in a freezer safe Ziploc and labeling.

Substitutions and Variations:

Protein Swap: Use ground chicken or turkey

Gluten Free: Swap your favorite gluten free pasta

Veggie Boost: Add in diced zucchini, carrots and mushrooms when you sauté the onions.

Cheesier: Top with sour cream and extra sharp cheddar and parmesan when serving.

Did you make this?  Tag @healthierhomemade.co and tell me how it is!