Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Pasta Recipe
This Easy Crockpot Cheesy Beef and Pasta is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s a kid-friendly dish that the whole family will love!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours on LOW or 1.5–2 hours on HIGH
Total Time: ~4 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (drained)
1 ½ cups beef broth (or water)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Load the Crockpot:
Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Add Pasta:
Stir in the uncooked pasta and cook on LOW for another 20–30 minutes until pasta is tender. If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Melt the Cheese:
Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Cover for 5 more minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.
Serve & Enjoy:
Give everything a good mix and serve warm. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired!
Tips & Tricks
Best Pasta Choice:
Use sturdy pasta like rotini or penne to hold up in the slow cooker.
Cheese Options:
Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Make It Spicy:
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Extra Creamy:
Stir in a dollop of cream cheese before serving.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg