Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

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Slow cooker homemade hamburger helper made with real ingredients — organic ground beef, sharp cheddar, smoked paprika, heavy cream, and Goodles pasta for an extra nutritional boost. Set it on low all day or high for four hours, add pasta and cream 40 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese, and dinner is ready whenever everyone walks in the door. Freezes in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Total Time8 15

Course: comfort food, dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: busy family recipe, easy recipes, family-friendly, hamburger helper, hearty, one pot, slow cooker

Servings: people

Calories: 520kcal

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.

Notes

Pasta timing is key. Add pasta 40 minutes before serving, not at the start. Cook on high for this final stretch. Check at 20 minutes and adjust.

Shred cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt smoothly. Block cheddar gives you the creamy sauce.

Drain fat after browning the beef — excess grease makes the sauce oily rather than creamy.

Keep warm setting holds the dish perfectly for up to an hour once done — ideal for families eating at different times.

Reheating: Add a splash of chicken or beef broth to loosen the sauce. The pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.

Freezer: Cool completely, portion into individual servings in Souper Cubes or freezer containers, freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition