Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 20 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 360 Servings

A few years ago, practically everything I made came from the air fryer, and before that, the Instant Pot was our dinnertime hero. But if I had to choose a countertop kitchen appliance that has stood the test of time, there’s no doubt I’d pick my slow cooker. I’ve relied on my slow cookers (I own three of them and have no plans to pare them down) more often in some years than others. This year is already shaping up to be a banner year for my slow cookers, thanks in part to my version of Hamburger Helper.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (not fat free)
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium beef broth (scant 2 cups)
1 medium red bell pepper, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
6 ounces dried elbow macaroni (about 1 1/2 cups)
Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving (optional)

Instructions

5-ounce) can low-sodium beef broth, 1 diced medium red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. (For a smoother sauce, blend the cottage cheese and tomato sauce together in a blender or food processor until smooth before adding to the slow cooker.) Stir to combine.Cover and cook for 4 to 6 hours on the LOW setting, or 2 to 4 hours on the HIGH setting. About 30 minutes before it is ready, stir in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 6 ounces dried elbow macaroni. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender. Stir to combine. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves if desired.