Get ready to fall in love with the easiest and most delicious weeknight dinner imaginable. This Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta is a true game-changer for busy families. Imagine tender ground beef, a rich and savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all swimming in a gloriously cheesy sauce. It’s a “dump and go” meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but your slow cooker does all the hard work!
We’re talking maximum flavor for minimum effort. Just brown the beef, toss everything in the crockpot, and come back to a perfectly cooked, soul-warming meal. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, even answering the age-old question of how to cook pasta in a slow cooker without it turning to mush. Let’s dive in!
Why This Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta Will Be Your New Favorite
There are so many reasons to adore this simple yet satisfying dish. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a solution to the weeknight dinner dilemma.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few minutes of prep, this recipe is perfect for any skill level. Your slow cooker handles the rest, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Rich & Flavorful: The slow cooking process allows the flavors of the beef, tomatoes, and seasonings to meld together into a deeply savory and robust sauce.
- Family-Approved Comfort: Cheesy, beefy pasta is a universal crowd-pleaser. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that kids and adults will request again and again. It’s a fantastic alternative to your usual hamburger casserole.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta, Every Time: By adding the pasta and cheese at the end, you guarantee a perfect al dente texture without any mushiness.
Ingredients for Your Cheesy Beef Pasta
This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) works best to minimize grease.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation for our savory sauce.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred brand for convenience.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
- Pasta: A short, sturdy pasta like shells, rotini, or penne holds up best.
- Heavy Cream: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella delivers the ultimate cheesy pull and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for a perfect result. We’ll brown the beef first to lock in flavor, then let the slow cooker work its magic.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease and add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Load the Crockpot: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the beef broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Add Pasta & Cream: About 30-40 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH (if it isn’t already), cover, and continue to cook until the pasta is tender.
- Get Cheesy: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is gooey and delicious. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pasta
A few simple tips can elevate your Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the beef and aromatics first creates a deeper, more complex flavor base for your sauce.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. For the smoothest, meltiest cheese, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Watch the Pasta: Cooking times can vary slightly between slow cooker models. Check your pasta at the 25-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Let it Rest: After stirring in the cheese, let the pasta sit for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly.
Delicious Variations
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it! If you love creative ground beef recipes, you’ll enjoy these twists, much like our popular bacon cheeseburger lasagna.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a bit of heat.
- Veggie Packed: Stir in a cup of chopped spinach or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Different Cheeses: Try swapping the cheddar for smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Taco Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of Italian seasoning and swap the marinara for salsa. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Pasta
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but a few simple sides can round it out beautifully.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans.
- Crusty garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This pasta makes for fantastic leftovers!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce as it heats. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds.
While you can freeze it, be aware that the texture of the pasta and cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Absolutely! Sturdy, short pasta shapes work best as they hold up well in the thick sauce. We recommend rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni as great alternatives to medium shells.
We highly recommend it. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a much deeper, richer flavor in the final dish. It also allows you to drain off excess fat for a better sauce texture.
The key is to add the uncooked pasta and liquid (like heavy cream in this recipe) at the end of the cooking time. Cook it on high for just 30-40 minutes, until it’s al dente. This prevents it from overcooking and turning mushy.
While you can freeze it, be aware that the texture of the pasta and cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Absolutely! Sturdy, short pasta shapes work best as they hold up well in the thick sauce. We recommend rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni as great alternatives to medium shells.
We highly recommend it. Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker creates a much deeper, richer flavor in the final dish. It also allows you to drain off excess fat for a better sauce texture.
The key is to add the uncooked pasta and liquid (like heavy cream in this recipe) at the end of the cooking time. Cook it on high for just 30-40 minutes, until it’s al dente. This prevents it from overcooking and turning mushy.
More Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love
We hope you love this Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta! It’s a staple in our home for a reason. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out some of our other slow cooker favorites, like these amazing French Dip Sandwiches. Let us know what you think in the comments below and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
This Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Tender ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and pasta are slow-cooked to perfection in a gloriously creamy and cheesy sauce your whole family will love.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Let it rest for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken before serving.
Notes
For the creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block.
Cooking times for the pasta can vary, so check it at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until beef is browned. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta and heavy cream. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Let it rest for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken before serving.
Notes
Cooking times for the pasta can vary, so check it at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
