Crockpot Hamburger Helper: Easy, Cheesy Comfort Food
Crockpot Hamburger Helper is the weeknight dinner solution you didn’t know you needed. It takes just 10 minutes of prep, delivers cheesy, hearty perfection in about 2 1/2 hours, and—best of all—your slow cooker handles almost everything while you check off your to-do list. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
I first tried this slow cooker trick when I needed an easy ground beef crockpot meal that wouldn’t keep me tied up in the kitchen. Traditional homemade hamburger helper recipes require stovetop babysitting and constant stirring, but this version? It’s practically set-it-and-forget-it. Trust me, you’ll be doubling this recipe for leftovers the next time you make it.
Why This Crockpot Hamburger Helper Is a Game-Changer
- Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you tackle homework duty or relax with a book.
- One less pot to scrub: Everything from browning the ground beef to cooking the cheesy pasta happens in one pot—no need to dirty extra pans.
- Time-saving kitchen hack: Prep is just 10 minutes. Compare that to the stovetop method, which can take 45 minutes start to finish.
- Make-ahead friendly: Cook and freeze the beef base for ultra-fast dinners on busy nights.
- Kid-approved: Cheesy, creamy pasta loaded with flavor? Everyone’s asking for seconds.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Hamburger Helper
To make your Crockpot Hamburger Helper, all you really need is a trusty slow cooker. If you’re in the market or looking for an upgrade, here’s what works best:
- Slow cooker: Look for one with at least a 6-quart capacity to handle this recipe comfortably. I like the ones with high/low settings and a timer to prevent overcooking.
- Grater: You’ll need this to shred the zucchini—it practically disappears into the sauce but adds a healthy boost.
- Wooden spoon: For breaking up the ground beef and stirring in the cheesy goodness.
Tip: To get the best results, make sure to stir well during the last step when adding pasta to prevent sticking.
Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Hamburger Helper
This homemade hamburger helper recipe comes together with easy-to-find ingredients. Here are the standouts that make all the difference:
- Ground beef: I recommend 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can even use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Short-cut pasta: Rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells cook perfectly and soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that rich and gooey sauce. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but grating your own melts better.
- Grated zucchini: A sneaky way to add veggies without anyone noticing. Use frozen if fresh isn’t available—just drain before adding.
Pro tip: Keep an extra jar of pasta sauce or broth on hand in case your pasta looks like it’s absorbing too much liquid.
Crockpot Hamburger Helper Recipe Details
- Servings: 6
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 2 cups broth
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 zucchini, grated (about 1 cup grated)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for serving
How to Make Crockpot Hamburger Helper
- Set your crockpot to high. Add the raw ground beef, onion, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, butter, and ketchup. Season generously with salt and pepper, then pour the broth over everything. Stir to break up the meat a bit. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours until the beef is fully cooked.
- About 15 minutes before the cook time is up, turn the crockpot to high. Stir in the uncooked pasta, grated zucchini, and milk. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Scoop into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy your easy comfort meal!
Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Hamburger Helper
- Skip pre-browning: No need to pre-cook the beef. It saves time and still cooks perfectly in the broth during slow cooking.
- Adjust the cheesiness: Love it extra cheesy? Add up to 2 cups of cheddar or mix in some mozzarella for a gooey finish.
- Make it ahead: Prepare and freeze the beef base (steps 1 and 2) without the pasta. Defrost, add pasta and milk, and finish cooking when you need a shortcut dinner.
- Leftover magic: Reheat leftovers in a skillet with an extra splash of milk to bring it back to its creamy glory.
- Veggie swap: Grated carrots work great in place of zucchini if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
Easy Crockpot Hamburger Helper Variations
- Mexican flair: Swap the cheddar for pepper jack and toss in a handful of black beans and diced tomatoes.
- Meatless option: Use plant-based ground beef and veggie broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
- Classic upgrade: Stir in cooked bacon bits or add a topping of crispy fried onions right before serving.
- Fridge clean-out: Sub zucchini with whatever veggies need using up (think spinach, mushrooms, or peas).
Crockpot Hamburger Helper FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short-cut pasta like rotini, elbows, or small shells work best. Avoid long noodles since they can clump in the slow cooker.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving since the pasta can overcook.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked beef base and finish with pasta, milk, and cheese when ready to serve.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and cheese are gluten-free too!
Can I cook on low the whole time?
Yes, but the pasta might take a little longer to cook. Just add an extra 5 minutes and check for doneness.
What’s your favorite way to customize Crockpot Hamburger Helper? Let me know in the comments below and share your best weeknight dinner hacks!
Crockpot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your crockpot to high. Add the raw ground beef, onion, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, butter, and ketchup. Season generously with salt and pepper, then pour the broth over everything. Stir to break up the meat a bit. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours until the beef is fully cooked.
- About 15 minutes before the cook time is up, turn the crockpot to high. Stir in the uncooked pasta, grated zucchini, and milk. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Scoop into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and enjoy your easy comfort meal!
Notes
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
