This Crockpot Hamburger Helper is creamy, cheesy, and pure homemade nostalgia. The elbow noodles cook right in the pot, making it the easiest comfort food ever!
Crockpot Hamburger Helper
I’m an ’80s kid, so growing up on Hamburger Helper is basically in my DNA. This Crockpot Hamburger Helper is my grown-up, homemade version—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender potatoes and ground beef. Unlike other crockpot recipes that make you cook the noodles separately, the elbow noodles cook right in the crockpot, soaking up all that rich, savory flavor without any extra steps. It’s comfort food made easy, just like the classics we loved as kids.
If you love this, don’t miss my other timeless favorite Potato Hamburger Casserole. It’s another hearty, cheesy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry family. Both recipes bring that nostalgic, cozy flavor straight from your childhood table to your modern kitchen.
How to Make Hamburger Helper in the Crockpot
In a skillet on the stovetop, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray, add the browned beef, then stir in the diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soups, milk, and a pinch of salt and pepper until everything is well combined.
Side note, I couldn’t resist showing off our Brooklyn grown garden potatoes! We just dug them out a few days ago, and I’m feeling like a very proud potato mom.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours. This is how it will look after 3 hours.
Stir in the beef broth, uncooked elbow noodles, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook for 30–45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Turn off the crockpot, remove the lid, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top and let it sit for about 10 minutes to thicken.
Scoop into bowls and dig into creamy, cheesy comfort food!
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave until fully warmed up—my husband looks forward to these leftovers every time!
Pin for later:
Crockpot Hamburger Helper with Elbow Noodles
PrintIngredients
- 1 cup ground beef
- 5 potatoes washed and diced
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cup elbow noodles uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown ground beef on stovetop.
- Spray crockpot with nonstick spray. Add browned ground beef into the crockpot.
- Add diced potatoes, cream of mushroom soups, milk and salt and pepper into the crockpot. Stir to mix well.
- Cover with lid and cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
- Add broth, uncooked elbow noodles and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese into the crockpot and mix well.
- Cook for an additional 30–45 minutes, or until the noodles are fully cooked.
- Remove the lid, turn off the crockpot, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This will allow the hamburger helper to thicken.
- Serve in bowls and enjoy!
Leave a Comment