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Homemade Crockpot Hamburger Helper. Forget the boxed stuff—this is everyone’s childhood favorite dinner, made completely from scratch…and honestly, even easier too. Plus, so much tastier! Think of it as the creamier, cozier, better version of what some of you may remember as a kid. Made with ground beef, pasta, a handful of seasonings, and even some shredded zucchini for a little extra veggie boost. It’s the kind of effortless pasta that’s guaranteed to become a weeknight family staple.
Did you grow up on Hamburger Helper? It wasn’t something my dad ever made for us, but I do remember always seeing that red box sitting in the pantry. Funny enough, my oldest brother swears it was one of his favorite dinners. Maybe he made it for himself? I really should ask him! Either way, it’s not a dish I grew up with, but it somehow feels nostalgic all the same.
For years, my brother begged me to make a homemade version, and many years back, I finally caved. I came up with a stove-top recipe that quickly turned into a family favorite—and honestly, I loved making it. But today? I’ve got something even better. This crockpot version is simpler, creamier, and completely hands-off. Truly effortless comfort food that tastes like pure childhood nostalgia…just upgraded.
These are the details
Ingredients
- ground beef – I use Force Of Nature, 80/20 blend
- onions
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- salted butter
- ketchup
- broth
- pasta zucchini
- milk
- cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley or tiny basil leaves
Special Tools
This recipe calls for a crockpot. If you don’t have a crockpot, make this recipe here! Other than that, nothing fancy here!
Steps
Step 1: Set it and go
Set your crockpot to high. Add the beef, onions, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, butter, and ketchup. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Give the meat a quick stir—it will naturally break into pieces as it cooks. Pour in the broth, cover, and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 1–2 hours.
My crockpot can actually cook the raw beef in about an hour on high. It works like magic, I swear!
Step 2: Stir and add the remaining ingredients
Once the beef is done—or when you’re ready to finish—stir in the pasta, zucchini, and whole milk about 20 minutes before serving. I like to add another pinch of salt here too.
Cook until the pasta is just tender. Stir in the cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Serve
Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with fresh parsley or basil (straight from the garden if you have it!). Best served right after the pasta is cooked. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a very yummy lunch the next day.
One last tip
If you’d like to make this a freezer meal, cook and freeze just the beef base (without pasta). When ready to serve, thaw in a pot on the stove, add 2 cups of water, bring to a boil, then add the pasta, zucchini, and whole milk. Cook until the pasta is tender, stir in the cheese, and serve. Super easy!
A few commonly asked Questions:
You can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer.
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta.
Looking for other easy family dinners? Here are a few ideas:
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
One Pan Autumn Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Pumpkin Cheese Stuffed Pasta Bolognese Bake
One Skillet Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Orzo Bake
Lastly, if you make this Crockpot Hamburger Helper, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Crockpot Hamburger Helper
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- sea salt and black pepper
- 2 cups broth
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 zucchini, grated , (about 1 cup grated)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- 1. Set your crockpot to high. Drop in the raw meat, onion, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, butter, and ketchup. Season with salt and pepper. Stir, breaking up the meat. Pour over the broth. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. 2. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, crank the heat to high. Stir in the pasta, zucchini, and milk. Let cook on high until the noodles are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Add the cheddar, stir until melted.3. Divide the pasta among bowls and top with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
I made the recipe and it was delicious and turned out perfectly! I did add a little more cheese as our family does like things a little cheesier! Simply amazing and I will certainly make it again!
Hey Jeff,
Happy Monday!! I’m so glad to hear this recipe turned out well for you, thanks so much for giving it a try!
It was okay and simple, but 1 onion is way to much and it needs to be sauted before adding to the pot or youll just have crunchy bits. Also would reccomending you sear the ground beef first because the beef becomes a weird watery consistency by the end.
Hey Daniel,
Thanks so much for trying this dish and sharing your feedback. Very sorry to hear you didn’t love it!
Flavor was good but this pasta didn’t cook hardly at all…20 minutes on crockpot simmer setting and then had to transfer to pot, another 20 minutes for it to get barely soft? Maybe it needs to be parboiled
Hi Jen,
Thanks for trying this recipe, I am so sorry to hear the pasta did not cook properly for you!!
Noodles took close to an hour to cook.
Sorry to hear this!
Took way too long to cook pasta on the slow cooker. Over an hour at high
Thanks for sharing your feedback, John! Sorry to hear you had issues with this recipe!
There was not enough liquid to cover the noodles. I had to take them all out and boil them in a separate pot so they would get soft. What could’ve gone wrong?
Hi Kim,
Very sorry to hear this! Did you stir the noodles at all? I find that helps to cook them evenly. Again, my apologies!
The meat will it cook all the way through in the crockpot?
Hi Ana,
Yes, it will thoroughly cook.
Please let me know if I can help in any other way!
I’m not much of a cook, but this was easy and delicious. Great way to use up some venison. Thank you.
Hey Robert,
Big thanks for making this recipe and sharing back. So glad it hit the spot!
Enjoy your Wednesday!
Do I need to drain the fat from the hamburger meat before adding pasta, zucchini, milk, etc?
Hey Celeste,
I don’t, but you can if you want to. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi! Can you use any other vegetable besides zucchini
Hi Sydney,
Sure, carrots would also work nicely here. I hope you love this dish!
Hi! Could I double this recipe? Would I have to add time in the crockpot?
Thanks!
Hi Jordan,
You could double it yes, I would just be sure your pot is large enough to handle all of the ingredients.
I hope you love this dish!
Loved this hamburger helper!
Hey Nora,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a very Happy New Year!🥂🎆
This recipe was perfect for a warm cozy night in!
Hey Sarah,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a very Happy New Year!🥂🎆
Really easy and good
Thanks so much, Matt! Love to hear this was a winner:) Happy New Year!
Tried making this twice and was disappointed each time! Bummer! Love all your other recipes.
Hi Meredith,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback! So sorry to hear it was not enjoyed. If there is anything that I can help with, please let me know!
I was expecting a cheeseburger-mac taste, but it has more of a beef stroganoff flavor. It definitely isn’t bad, just wasn’t what I expected!
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback, sorry to hear you didn’t love it!