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Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Crockpot Pasta

Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Crockpot Pasta - featured image
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A dump-and-go slow cooker pasta with ground beef, tomatoes, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this budget-friendly meal is picky eater approved and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works well)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 12 oz short pasta (rotini, penne, or cavatappi)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until browned through (6-8 minutes). Add diced onion and minced garlic during the last 2 minutes; cook until onion softens.
  2. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), condensed tomato soup, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the dry pasta directly to the sauce and stir to ensure it is fully submerged. Do not cook the pasta beforehand.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, checking at the 2-hour mark. Pasta should be tender but still al dente.
  6. Once pasta is tender, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes with the heat off to melt the cheese.
  7. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes after stirring in the cheese to allow the sauce to thicken.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for just under al dente. Use short, sturdy pasta shapes with ridges. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Brown the beef well for deeper flavor. Adjust liquid based on your slow cooker. Let the dish rest before serving to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot pasta, ground beef pasta, slow cooker pasta, cheesy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, budget-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-cheesy-ground-beef-crockpot-pasta-perfect-weeknight-dinner/