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Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper with Gluten-Free Pasta and Cheddar Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, flavorful herbs, and tender gluten-free elbow pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the work for you, resulting in a creamy, cheesy dish with wholesome ingredients.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 1/4 cup beef broth (can substitute chicken broth)
  • 16 oz pasta sauce (divided as 12 oz + 4 oz)
  • 3/4 cup almond milk

Pasta and Cheese

  • 10 oz elbow pasta (gluten free)
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, see notes)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and dried oregano. Crumble the beef while cooking until it is browned. Towards the last 2-3 minutes, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook together. Remove the pan from heat once done.
  2. Start slow cooker base: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert. Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture into the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth, 12 oz of pasta sauce, and almond milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to remain tender.
  3. Add pasta and finish cooking: After the initial slow cooking, increase the slow cooker setting to high. Add the uncooked gluten-free elbow pasta along with the remaining 4 oz of pasta sauce. Stir gently to combine, cover again, and cook on high for 15 to 25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking, until pasta is fully tender.
  4. Melt cheese and serve: If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the hot pasta mixture and gently stir to incorporate. Cover the slow cooker one more time and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, remove the lid and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute chicken broth if beef broth is unavailable.
  • Adjust slow cook time depending on your slow cooker model; some may require longer or shorter cook times.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit cheddar cheese or replace with vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free.
  • Cheese is optional but adds creamy richness to the dish.
  • Stirring midway through pasta cooking prevents sticking or clumping of noodles.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/slow-cooker-hamburger-helper-with-gluten-free-pasta-and-cheddar-recipe/