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Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper

Enjoy a classic comfort food with this healthier version of Hamburger Helper made in a slow cooker, featuring lean ground beef and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, diced
  • 1½ cups low sodium beef broth plus additional if needed
  • 1½ cups milk any kind
  • 1½ cups tomato pasta sauce
  • 1 bell pepper diced, I used red
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more, if you like it spicy!
  • 3 cups dry uncooked macaroni (350-380 grams)
  • ½ cup shredded cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent.
  2. Transfer the beef mixture to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  3. Add in the beef broth, milk, tomato pasta sauce, bell pepper, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Cooking
  1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  2. About 15 minutes before serving, switch the slow cooker to high and stir in the macaroni.
  3. Check at 15 minutes, and add an extra 5-10 minutes if needed until the pasta is al dente.
  4. If the pasta is not cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, add ½-1 cup additional broth or milk.
  5. Stir in the cheese, and cover for 2-3 minutes to allow it to melt.
Serving
  1. Serve this dish warm, making sure to scoop out some of that creamy sauce and cheesy goodness with each serving.

Notes

For an even lighter dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost the nutritional value. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your taste. If you want a creamier texture, try adding a bit of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese.