Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper: A Cozy and Creamy Weeknight Dinner
When the weather turns chilly and the leaves start to crunch underfoot, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a home-cooked meal that fills the home with warm, delightful aromas. Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper is just that — the ultimate cozy dish that wraps you up in its creamy, cheesy embrace. It reminds me of childhood evenings when my mom would make a big pot of something hearty, and we’d gather around the table, sharing stories and giggles as we savored every last bite. This is one of those dishes that not only comforts the belly but wraps the heart in nostalgia, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner after a long day.
So grab your favorite cozy blanket, put on your biggest smile, and let’s dive into this heartwarming recipe! You’ll definitely want to pin this one for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Effortless: With just a few minutes of prep, this dish cooks itself in the crockpot, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Creamy and Cheesy: The melted cheddar creates a rich, creamy texture that will make you feel right at home.
Family-Favorite: Both kiddos and grown-ups alike will love this meal, making it an instant family favorite.
Easily Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta shape or add in seasonal veggies for added nutrition and flavor.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe is not only easy but also economical, making it perfect for meal prep on a budget.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pasta (elbow macaroni or any small shape)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
Transfer the flavorful beef mixture to your trusty crockpot.
Add in the beef broth, pasta, and diced tomatoes (including their juices). If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the chopped green bell pepper for an extra layer of flavor and color!
Give everything a good stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed all those delicious flavors.
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into that creamy goodness. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Variations & Creative Twists
Delicious Variations to Try
Zesty Taco Twist: Add a packet of taco seasoning for a zesty, Mexican-inspired flair! Top with avocado and sour cream before serving.
Spicy Spin: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a comforting yet spicy kick.
Veggie Delight: Peas, corn, or even spinach can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a colorful and nutritious boost.
Creamy Mushroom: For mushroom lovers, add sliced mushrooms for an earthy and rich addition!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep the beef and veggies a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just pop it into the crockpot in the morning, and dinner will be ready by the time you’re home!
Ingredient Swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can easily be used instead of beef, while whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can cater to specific dietary needs.
Leftover Love: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader FAQs About Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper
Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the ingredients the night before and let them cook in the crockpot in the morning.
Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the beef for turkey or even add in different cookware variations.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How long does it last? Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Wrapping It Up
This Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper is more than just a meal; it’s a big, warm hug on a plate. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the hearty beef and your favorite pasta will make it a regular in your rotation. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it’s a recipe that embodies love and comfort. Save this Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper to your family meals board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and creamy weeknight dinner that wraps you in nostalgia, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pasta (elbow macaroni or any small shape)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 green bell pepper, chopped
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot.
- Add beef broth, pasta, and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the crockpot. Include the chopped green bell pepper if desired.
- Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 240-360 minutes or high for 120-180 minutes, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving until melted. Enjoy!
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days. Can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Hamburger Helper, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner, Easy Recipe