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Crockpot Hamburger Helper

Crockpot Hamburger Helper Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 6 minutes. Drain most of the fat. Add onion and cook 3 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  2. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for 2 hours.
  3. Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, until pasta is tender.
  4. Turn off the slow cooker. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese cubes. Stir until melted and creamy, then serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers thicken as they sit, so add a splash of beef broth or milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the pasta uncovered for the last 5 minutes.