Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

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!) Packed with sneaky veggies.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Total Time 8 hours 10 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 486cal

Author Ashley Fehr

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

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 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 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
10-15 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.

Video

Notes

*Nutrition information is estimated and will vary depending on exact serving size, types and brands of products used.

Nutrition