Crockpot Hamburger Helper with Zucchini and Cheddar Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Hamburger Helper is a comforting and easy one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness, it’s a homemade twist on a classic favorite that everyone will love.
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, to taste
- 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
- Step 1: Set your crockpot to high. Add the raw ground beef, chopped onion, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, butter, and ketchup. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Stir well, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Pour the broth over the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
- Step 2: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, increase the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the pasta, grated zucchini, and whole milk. Let it cook uncovered on high until the pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Step 3: Serve the cheesy hamburger pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the broth.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different cheesy twist.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño.
- Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with the zucchini.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work well in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are tender.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Absolutely! You can brown the beef and onions in a large pot, then add spices, broth, and simmer before stirring in the pasta, zucchini, milk, and cheese. Cook until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, stirring frequently.
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Crockpot Hamburger Helper with Zucchini and Cheddar Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Hamburger Helper is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy sauce enriched with grated zucchini for added nutrition. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple pantry ingredients in a slow cooker for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main 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, to taste
- 2 cups broth (beef or chicken)
- 1 pound short cut pasta (such as elbow macaroni)
- 1 zucchini, grated (about 1 cup grated)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot Base: Set your crockpot to high heat. Place the raw ground beef, chopped onion, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salted butter, and ketchup into the crockpot. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together well, breaking up the meat into small pieces as you mix. Pour the broth evenly over the ingredients. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1 to 2 hours until the beef is fully cooked and flavors have melded.
- Add Pasta and Vegetables: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, increase the crockpot heat to high. Stir in the short cut pasta, grated zucchini, and whole milk. Return the lid and cook on high until the pasta is tender, typically about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is soft, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the crockpot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Divide the casserole into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting homemade hamburger helper!
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef and use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- If you don’t have short cut pasta, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work well.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- The grated zucchini adds moisture and nutrition — feel free to add other vegetables like grated carrot or finely chopped bell peppers.
- You can prep everything the night before and refrigerate in the crockpot insert for quicker meal assembly the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot Hamburger Helper, slow cooker ground beef pasta, cheesy beef pasta, easy crockpot dinner, comforting pasta casserole
