Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper Recipe
- Easy preparation: Brown the beef, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it do most of the work.
- Family-friendly: Creamy pasta, ground beef, and melted cheddar make this a meal that both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Simple ingredients: The recipe uses everyday seasonings and pantry staples without requiring complicated ingredients.
- Rich and creamy: Milk, cheddar cheese, and a cornstarch mixture create a smooth, comforting sauce.
- Easy to customize: Add extra cheese, vegetables, different seasonings, or your favorite cheeseburger-inspired toppings.
- Great for busy days: Most of the cooking time is hands-off, leaving you free to focus on other things.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef: Use one pound of ground beef. Lean ground beef works particularly well because it produces less excess grease.
- Paprika: Adds mild warmth, color, and savory flavor.
- Onion powder: Gives the dish a classic onion flavor without needing to chop fresh onions.
- Garlic powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor to the beef and sauce.
- Salt: Enhances all of the other flavors.
- Sugar: Optional, but a small amount can help balance the savory seasonings.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and seasoning.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the liquid and helps create the creamy sauce.
- Warm water: Used to dissolve the cornstarch before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Milk: Whole milk is preferred for a richer, creamier consistency.
- Dry elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for this homemade cheeseburger helper.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides plenty of cheesy flavor. Feel free to use additional cheese if you prefer an extra-cheesy dish.
Directions
- Place 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook while breaking the meat into small crumbles until it is completely browned and cooked through. Drain away any excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked ground beef to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon optional sugar, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over the beef. Stir until the meat is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 cup warm water until the cornstarch has completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker. Add 2 cups milk and stir everything together thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. For a faster option, cook on high for approximately 1½ hours.
- Once the initial cooking time is complete, stir 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni into the mixture. Make sure most of the pasta is submerged in the liquid so that it cooks evenly.
- Cover again and cook for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Slow cookers vary, so the pasta may require a little additional time. Check it periodically near the end to prevent overcooking.
- Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce.
- Let the Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper rest uncovered or with the lid slightly ajar for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.
- For an extra-cheesy finish, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar over the top, cover briefly, and let it melt. If the sauce becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a small amount of warmed milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
When cooking on high, the initial slow-cooking stage can be reduced to approximately 1½ hours. Keep in mind that the macaroni still needs additional cooking time after it is added.
Variations
Cheeseburger Bacon Helper: Stir cooked and crumbled bacon into the finished dish or sprinkle it over each serving for smoky bacon cheeseburger flavor.
Extra-Cheesy Version: Increase the cheddar to 1½ or 2 cups, adding it gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred level of cheesiness.
Spicy Cheeseburger Helper: Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
Vegetable Cheeseburger Helper: Add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture. Vegetables that release a lot of moisture are best sautéed before adding them.
Different Cheese: Replace some or all of the sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mild cheddar, or another good melting cheese.
Turkey Version: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a lighter variation. Make sure the turkey is fully cooked before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Extra-Creamy Version: Stir in a small amount of additional warm milk at the end of cooking for a looser, creamier sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper in the refrigerator and enjoy it within 3 to 4 days.
The macaroni will continue absorbing some of the sauce while refrigerated, so leftovers will usually be thicker than the freshly prepared dish.
For individual portions, microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally for even heating. Add a splash of milk before reheating to loosen the sauce and restore some of its creamy texture.
For larger portions, place the leftovers in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Add a little milk and stir frequently until the pasta and beef are heated throughout and the sauce is creamy again.
You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe container, although cooked pasta may become softer after freezing and thawing. For the best texture, refrigerated leftovers are preferable.
FAQs
Can I put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?
Browning the ground beef first is recommended. It allows you to drain excess grease and gives the meat a better texture. It also prevents the finished sauce from becoming unnecessarily greasy.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef. Cook and crumble the meat completely in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it?
No. The elbow macaroni goes into the slow cooker dry during the final portion of the cooking process. Make sure most of the pasta is submerged in the liquid so it can cook properly.
Why is my macaroni taking longer than 35 minutes to cook?
Slow cookers can vary significantly in temperature. The size and shape of the slow cooker, how often the lid is opened, and the pasta itself can affect cooking time. Continue cooking and checking the macaroni at short intervals until it is tender.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes, but small pasta shapes work best. Small shells, mini penne, or similar pasta can be substituted for elbow macaroni. Cooking time may change depending on the pasta’s size and thickness.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Warm a small amount of milk and stir it into the finished dish. Add the milk gradually until the sauce reaches the consistency you prefer.
What should I do if the sauce seems too thin?
Let the finished dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Both the pasta and sauce will thicken as they sit. Adding a little more shredded cheese can also create a thicker, creamier consistency.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely. The recipe calls for 1 cup of sharp cheddar, but you can increase the amount according to your preference. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar over the finished pasta, cover the slow cooker briefly, and allow the cheese to melt.
Can I use reduced-fat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes. Reduced-fat milk can work, although whole milk gives the sauce a richer and creamier consistency. Avoid making unnecessary milk substitutions that could affect how smoothly the sauce thickens.
Can I leave the macaroni in the slow cooker after it is finished?
It is best to serve the dish relatively soon after the macaroni becomes tender. Pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits and can eventually become overly soft. If you need to keep it warm briefly, monitor the texture and add a splash of warm milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper combines everything that makes a comforting pasta dinner satisfying: seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, a creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. The slow cooker handles most of the cooking, making this an especially convenient recipe when you want a hearty homemade dinner without spending the entire evening at the stove.
Serve it straight from the slow cooker while it is warm and creamy, adding extra cheddar on top if you love an especially cheesy finish. With easy ingredients, minimal preparation, and plenty of opportunities for customization, this is a dependable comfort-food recipe worth keeping in your dinner rotation.
Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper
A creamy, cheesy slow cooker cheeseburger pasta made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese. This comforting family-friendly dinner is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 cups milk (whole milk is preferred)
- 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (can use more to taste)
Instructions
- In a skillet, add the ground beef. Cook and crumble until fully cooked, then drain any excess grease.
- Add the cooked beef to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, optional sugar, and black pepper over the meat. Stir to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and warm water together until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture and milk into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or on high for 1½ hours.
- Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and creamy.
- Let the cheeseburger helper sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before serving.
Notes
- For an extra-cheesy version, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar over the top, cover, and let it melt before serving.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, warm a little additional milk and stir it in gradually until your preferred consistency is reached.
- Pasta cooking time may vary depending on how quickly your slow cooker cooks.
- Whole milk is preferred for the creamiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
