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Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

By 24 Comments Ground BeefOn The Healthy/Lighter SideOne-Pot MealsSlow Cooker

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A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker — yes, even the pasta! (And no, it’s not mushy and overcooked!)

Thank you to Reynolds® and Socialstars for sponsoring this post — I’m proud to partner with some awesome brands to keep bringing you new recipes! All opinions are my own #ReynoldsCrowdâ„¢

A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker -- yes, even the pasta! (And no, it's not mushy and overcooked!)

Something I always find interesting is the recipes that are popular on The Recipe Rebel a certain day, week or month, because my goal is to give you more of what you want. Lately, my Healthier Homemade Hamburger Helper has been going a little crazy as people have gotten back to routine and are eating something other than chocolate and cookies. I (surprise!) have also been craving something other than chocolate and cookies.

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A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker -- yes, even the pasta! (And no, it's not mushy and overcooked!)

We use our slow cooker all the time. Probably at least 3 times per week! I love these Slow Cooker Liners from Reynolds® because it means I don’t actually have to wash my slow cooker. (And seriously, have you seen my this no dishes recipe or this no dishes recipe? I’m a big fan of no pots or pans to wash).
A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker -- yes, even the pasta! (And no, it's not mushy and overcooked!)Learning to properly cook pasta in a slow cooker so that it wasn’t some gross overcooked mush was seriously life changing for me. It takes a little reworking because you need to have just the perfect amount of liquid at the end of the cook time to cook the pasta for the last 30 minutes, but my original Hamburger Helper recipe translated perfectly into a slow cooker recipe, and it is the perfect solution to the dinner time rush!

A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker -- yes, even the pasta! (And no, it's not mushy and overcooked!)

No stirring,  no keeping an eye on things — just let the sauce cook away for a good part of the day and add the pasta in the last 30 minutes and you’re good to go. So easy! And what the picky eaters will never realize is all of the healthy stuff that’s crammed in there — I use spinach, tomatoes and bell peppers, but you could also add mushrooms or a shredded carrots and once everything is slow cooked together, no one will ever know. The vegetables add incredible flavor but are hardly noticeable in the finished dish!

A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker -- yes, even the pasta! (And no, it's not mushy and overcooked!)

This is the perfect hearty meal to get you through the rest of the chilly days, but it’s also perfect for the warmer days when you just don’t want to turn your oven on!

Find more recipes from Reynolds® here and follow them on Pinterest.

Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 410 kcal
Author: Ashley Fehr
A healthier, homemade version of Hamburger Helper made completely in the slow cooker -- yes, even the pasta! (And no, it's not mushy and overcooked!)
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Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (I used red)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes or more, if you like it spicy!
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 1/2 cup 1% milk
  • 1 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1 1/2 cups seasoned tomato or pasta sauce
  • 3 cups dry uncooked macaroni (340g)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. 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 (I recommend lining with a Reynolds Slow Cooker Liner!).
  2. Add in bell pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, spinach, milk, beef broth and tomato sauce and stir. Cover and cook on low for 5-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

  3. minutes before serving, stir in pasta. Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, until desired tenderness is reached. Stir in cheese (covering for 2-3 minutes if necessary to melt the cheese) and serve.

Recipe Notes

*Nutrition information is estimated and will vary depending on exact serving size, types and brands of products used.
Nutrition Facts
Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper
Amount Per Serving
Calories 410 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 25%
Total Carbohydrates 37g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 7g
Protein 29g 58%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

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Comments

  2. I am obsessed with those slow cooker liners! I use them every single time we make something in the slow cooker. I’m also a huge hamburger helper lover, so this healthy version sounds sooo good!

    Reply

  8. Hi Ashley! I am loving all the crock pot recipes! Not only are they easy but they are so comforting! And added veggies are always a good thing! We are carnivores but also love vegetables in abundance! 🙂

    Reply

    • Thanks Dorothy! And I love making the slow cooker recipes! Lol. They are so much easier and practical for our busy family! I hope you had a great weekend 🙂

      Reply

  9. This looks insanely easy and flavorful. I’m always trying to find new things to make for dinner. Although I don’t eat ground beef, I can totally substitute in some turkey meat. I think this would be a hit in my house. Thanks for sharing, Ashley. 🙂

    Reply

  10. I love those slow cooker liners — washing a slow cooker can be quite the pain sometimes! I grew up on Hamburger Helper and I love that you lightened this up and you can let the slow cooker do most of the work for you!

    Reply

  13. Those slow cooker liners are the best! It saves me so much time in the kitchen! This hamburger helper is just what I need after devouring one too many snacks over the weekend! Love that you can toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic!

    Reply

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