Hey there! If you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that’s super easy to throw together, this Crockpot Ground Beef and Pasta Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s hearty, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights. The best part? The crockpot does most of the work, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. This dish is a hit with kids (hello, pasta and cheese!) and grown-ups alike. Trust me, it’s comfort food at its best!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Brown the beef first! While you can toss raw ground beef in the crockpot, browning it with the onion and garlic first gives it way more flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it from getting mushy.
- Choose a sturdy pasta. Shapes like penne or rotini hold up better in the crockpot than delicate ones like spaghetti.
- Boost the veggies. Sneak in some diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach to make this meal even more wholesome for your family.
- Cheese makes everything better. Add more cheese on top just before serving for that ooey-gooey factor kids love.
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (6-quart size works great)
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Cheese grater
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic the night before and store it in the fridge. The next morning, toss it in the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients (except pasta and cheese).
How to Make Crockpot Ground Beef and Pasta
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Load the Crockpot
Add the browned beef mixture to the crockpot. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
AI Image Prompt: “A crockpot filled with browned beef, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, all stirred together with Italian seasoning sprinkled on top. The lid is off, and the crockpot is sitting on white marble counters with hints of gold, natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro.”
3. Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover and let the pasta cook until tender.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, then cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and watch your family dig in!
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months, but leave out the pasta if freezing—cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Conclusion
And that’s it—an easy, comforting, and kid-approved dinner made right in your crockpot! I know your family is going to love this one. If you try it, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you add any veggies or try a different type of pasta? I’d love to hear your twist on it. Happy cooking! 😊
