Description
A healthier take on classic Hamburger Helper, this slow cooker recipe uses lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tomato sauce to create a comforting one-pot meal. The pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker with broth and milk for a creamy, hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ medium onion (diced)
- 1½ cups low sodium beef broth (plus additional if needed)
- 1½ cups milk (any kind)
- 1½ cups tomato pasta sauce
- 1 bell pepper (diced, red preferred)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 3 cups dry uncooked macaroni (350-380 grams)
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion. In a medium skillet, cook the lean ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned thoroughly and the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary, then transfer the mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Add liquids and vegetables. Into the slow cooker, add beef broth, milk, tomato pasta sauce, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir all ingredients together until combined.
- Slow cook the mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This flexible cooking time allows flavors to meld and ensures the vegetables become tender.
- Add the macaroni. About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, switch the slow cooker to high and stir in the dry macaroni. Check the pasta after 15 minutes, and if it isn’t al dente, cook 5-10 minutes longer, adding ½ to 1 cup additional broth or milk if the liquid is absorbed before the pasta is done.
- Finish with cheese and serve. Stir in the shredded cheese. If needed, cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese fully. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on serving size and ingredient brands.
- Use lean ground beef or drain the fat before slow cooking for a healthier option. Ground Italian sausage or other ground meats can be substituted.
- Feel free to omit or substitute vegetables, such as using shredded carrot, zucchini, or finely chopped spinach.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference; add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Any type of milk can be used, but avoid heavier creams to ensure the pasta cooks properly and the liquid doesn’t become too thick.
- You can use other pasta shapes but maintain similar weight and cooking times for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
