Crockpot Hamburger Helper

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) — I used red

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, if you like it spicy

3 cups dry uncooked macaroni (350–380 grams)

½ cup shredded cheese

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Instructions

In a medium skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent. Add to a 4–6 quart slow cooker.

Add broth, milk, pasta sauce, bell pepper, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. (The cook time is flexible — you want the mixture hot enough to cook the pasta, so anywhere from 3 to 8 hours on low works.)

About 15 minutes before serving, turn the slow cooker to high and stir in the macaroni. Check after 15 minutes, and add 5–10 more minutes as needed until the pasta is al dente. If the pasta isn’t fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, add ½–1 cup additional broth or milk as needed.

Stir in the cheese. Cover for 2–3 minutes if needed to help it melt. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve.