When you take a bite of slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta, you’re often left thinking about what to serve alongside it. There are endless possibilities, but let me share a few classics that work really well. First up is a crisp Caesar salad. The freshness of the greens will balance the richness of the pasta. Croutons add a nice crunch, and a homemade dressing can take it to the next level.
Another excellent choice is roasted vegetables. Vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots pair beautifully with pasta, bringing out all those savory flavors. You could also consider garlic bread. It’s a staple in many households and the perfect vessel for mopping up that cheesy sauce. Plus, who doesn’t love a good slice of garlic bread?
In short, slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta is delightful served with simple salads, roasted vegetables, or bread that’s fit for dipping. Now, let’s dig into the story of making this dish.
Picture this: a busy weekday. You’ve just wrapped up work, and the last thing on your mind is cooking a complicated meal. Yet, you want something hearty, satisfying, and delicious—something your family will rave about. That’s where slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta comes in.
This dish combines the convenience of slow cooking with the comfort of cheesy pasta, ultimately delivering a plateful of happiness. With minimal hands-on time and just a little planning, you can whip up this delightful meal.
Over the years, I’ve dabbled in various pasta recipes, but this one remains a firm favorite. The flavors meld perfectly as they cook low and slow. Trust me; there’s nothing quite like the smell wafting through the house on a chilly evening as it slowly comes together in the pot.
What is Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cheese Pasta?
Slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta is a one-pot wonder. It combines lean ground beef, pasta, a delicious marinara sauce, and melting cheese. The best part? You can throw everything in a slow cooker in under 15 minutes.
Throughout the day, the ingredients mingle, and flavors intensify, resulting in a rich, creamy dish that’s both filling and satisfying. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. I’ve prepared this dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and even weeknight dinners. Each time, it’s a hit.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of this dish is downright delicious. Picture it: a base of seasoned beef, infused with garlic and onion. Add to that the freshness of tomatoes and marinara, with a sprinkle of Italian herbs. As it cooks, it transforms into a comforting, savory sauce.
The real showstopper is the cheese. Shredded mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan contributes a nutty, salty kick. Together, these flavors create a delightful experience that’s far from ordinary. Topped with a drizzle of fresh basil, it’s comfort food that sings.
You will also like the following Dinner recipes!
- Copycat Instant Pot Chicken Pasta
- Skinny Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Recipe
- Chicken Tikka Masala with Stove Top Garlic Naan
Why You’ll Love This
Here are just a few reasons you will fall head over heels for this slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta:
- Easy Preparation: You can assemble the dish in about 15 minutes. No fuss!
- Minimal Cleanup: Being a one-pot meal means less time doing dishes.
- Flexible Ingredients: Swap out pasta or vegetables as you see fit. Use what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well, making it ideal for leftovers or planned meals.
- Kid-Approved: Kids love cheese and pasta—enough said.
Ingredients
Now that I’ve got you sold on it, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for gentle heat, optional)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce (roughly 3 cups)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh; drained if needed)
- 3 cups water (or low-sodium beef broth for richer flavor)
- 2 cups dry pasta (any short variety works well)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Step By Step Instructions
So, let’s get rolling with the recipe.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In your slow cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the sauté function, or a separate skillet. If using a skillet, once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent. Then, toss in those minced garlic cloves. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently. This wafts an incredible aroma through your kitchen—trust me, you won’t regret it.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot or skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Season it with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Sauces
Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything. This is where the magic begins. You’ve got that rich tomato flavor mixed in with the fragrant beef.
Step 4: Introduce the Pasta
Add 3 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth. Then, sprinkle in the dry pasta. Give it a gentle stir to settle everything together—don’t fret; it’ll get creamy soon!
Step 5: Let It Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 hours. You’ll want to stir occasionally if you can; however, it’s not a deal breaker if you don’t.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
When the pasta is tender and has absorbed a good portion of the liquid, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan, along with the optional heavy cream for creaminess. Gently fold until everything is melted and blended.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle some fresh basil on top right before serving. This adds a lovely freshness that just brightens up the dish.
Tips & Tricks
To make the most of your slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta, consider these tips:
- Choose Quality Meat: Lean ground beef ensures a healthier dish. The quality of the beef impacts flavor.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, giving it a stir once in a while makes for even creamier pasta.
- Right Pasta Type: Shorter pasta works best. It holds the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition facts for a serving (1 cup) of slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta:
- Calories: Approximately 540
- Protein: 26 grams
- Carbohydrates: 60 grams
- Fat: 24 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams
How Can You Store This Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cheese Pasta?
After you’ve enjoyed your cheesy pasta creation, you might have leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:
- Refrigerate: Place cooled pasta in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for about 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container. It’ll be good for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are a few alternatives:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner protein, ground turkey or chicken is an excellent substitute for beef. It alters the flavor slightly, but it still results in a delicious dish.
- Marinara Sauce Swap: If you find yourself low on marinara, any tomato-based sauce like Arrabbiata or even homemade sauce works well. Just adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also replace the cream with cashew cream or a non-dairy milk for richness.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 4 fresh garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat, optional
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce roughly 3 cups
- 1 cup diced tomatoes canned or fresh; drained if needed
- 3 cups water or low-sodium beef broth for richer flavor
- 2 cups dry pasta any short variety works well
- ½ cup heavy cream optional, for creaminess
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In your slow cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the sauté function, or a separate skillet. If using a skillet, once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they turn translucent. Then, toss in those minced garlic cloves. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently. This wafts an incredible aroma through your kitchen—trust me, you won’t regret it.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot or skillet. Break it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon. Season it with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add the Sauces
- Pour in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine everything. This is where the magic begins. You’ve got that rich tomato flavor mixed in with the fragrant beef.
Step 4: Introduce the Pasta
- Add 3 cups of water or low-sodium beef broth. Then, sprinkle in the dry pasta. Give it a gentle stir to settle everything together—don’t fret; it’ll get creamy soon!
Step 5: Let It Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 hours. You’ll want to stir occasionally if you can; however, it’s not a deal breaker if you don’t.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
- When the pasta is tender and has absorbed a good portion of the liquid, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan, along with the optional heavy cream for creaminess. Gently fold until everything is melted and blended.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle some fresh basil on top right before serving. This adds a lovely freshness that just brightens up the dish.
Notes
- Choose Quality Meat: Lean ground beef ensures a healthier dish. The quality of the beef impacts flavor.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in some spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, giving it a stir once in a while makes for even creamier pasta.
- Right Pasta Type: Shorter pasta works best. It holds the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. Quinoa pasta or chickpea pasta works beautifully here.
2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before. Store it in the fridge and then start the slow cooker the next day. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
3. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can use a stovetop method! Brown the beef and sauté veggies in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until pasta is cooked.
4. How do I handle leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little water or broth to keep it creamy.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or zucchini. Just dice them up small so they cook evenly.
Conclusion
Slow cooker ground beef and cheese pasta is a complete meal on its own. It’s not just pasta; it’s an experience that brings warmth to the table. Whether you make it for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply to feed your hunger after a long day, you won’t be disappointed.
I hope this guide helps you create a dish full of flavor and comforting textures. With simple preparation, you can enjoy home-cooked goodness with minimal effort. So grab that slow cooker and get cooking—you won’t regret it! Your taste buds will thank you, and those cheerful faces around the dinner table will too!
