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A wooden serving utensil stirring a scoop of Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper.
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Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper

This Crock Pot Cheeseburger Helper is a homemade version of the classic comfort food made with ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese in a creamy slow cooker sauce.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 451kcal
Author Brandie Skibinski

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 1 pound ground beef. Cook and crumble until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add cooked beef to a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper on top of the meat. Stir to coat evenly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk 1 Tablespoon cornstarch and 1 cup warm water together until smooth.
  • Pour cornstarch mixture and 2 cups milk into the slow cooker and stir well.
  • Cover and cook on low for 3 hours (or high for 1 ½ hours), allowing flavors to develop.
    Beef and sauce cooking in a Slow Cooker.
  • After the 3 hours, stir in 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni, making sure pasta is mostly submerged.
    Macaroni being added to a beefy sauce mixture in a Slow Cooker.
  • Cover and cook an additional 30–35 minutes, until pasta is tender. This could take longer depending on how fast your slow cooker cooks.
  • Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken before serving.
  • NOTE: Like it with more cheese? Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top. Cover and allow it to melt then serve. If the mixture got too thick, warm up a bit of milk and add to the mixture and stir. Continue to add until it gets to your preferred thickness.
    Looking down on a white plate with Cheeseburger Helper made in the Slow Cooker.

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
  • This makes 4-6 servings.

Nutrition

Calories: 451kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 604mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g
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