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Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and pasta, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a rich, cheesy, and hearty dish perfect for busy days and family dinners.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium beef broth (scant 2 cups)

Dairy and Pasta

  • 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (not fat free)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 6 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 1 1/2 cups)

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef and Onion: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and 1 diced small yellow onion. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat, then transfer to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium beef broth, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the slow cooker. For a smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese and tomato sauce together in a blender or food processor until smooth before adding. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to cook thoroughly.
  4. Add Cheese and Pasta: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 6 ounces dried elbow macaroni. Cover again and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Stir the mixture to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves, if desired, before serving.

Notes

  • For a smoother sauce, blend cottage cheese and tomato sauce before adding to slow cooker.
  • If making ahead and freezing, omit the pasta; add it fresh when reheating to maintain texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for convenient future meals.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and improve texture.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/slow-cooker-hamburger-helper-recipe/