Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta: A Comforting Meal That Will Melt Your Heart

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta – Looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights? Look no further than our Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta recipe! This dish is a delicious combination of savory beef, tangy marinara sauce, and a generous helping of melted cheese, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The secret to this recipe is the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich, hearty dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it is a favorite in our household. My husband is a big fan of anything with beef, and my little ones love pasta, so this recipe is the perfect combination of both. I still remember the first time I made this dish, my husband walked into the house and was immediately drawn to the rich aroma of the beef simmering in the slow cooker. As he took his first bite, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, “This is amazing!” From that moment on, this dish has become a staple in our household, and we make it at least once a month. It is a crowd-pleaser and always receives rave reviews from our guests.

Why This Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta Is a Must-Try?

Satisfy your taste buds with this delicious Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta. Here are some reasons why you should give this recipe a try:

• The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, hearty dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.
• The combination of beef, marinara sauce, and cheese is a classic, comforting flavor profile that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• This recipe is easy to make, and the ingredients are simple and affordable.
• This dish can be customized to suit your preferences. You can add more vegetables, adjust the level of spiciness, or even substitute the beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Ingredients:

• 900 g (2 lb.) lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 425 g (15 oz.) marinara sauce
• 425 g (15 oz.) stewed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 280 g (10 oz.) frozen spinach, cooked
• 454 g (1 lb.) penne/rigatoni/bow tie pasta, cooked al dente
• 60 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 170 g (1 1/2 cups) Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through and any excess fat has been drained. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onions become translucent.

Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to a slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, stewed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled beef bouillon cubes, and white sugar to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

After 6-8 hours, turn the slow cooker to high heat. Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.

Stir in the cooked spinach leaves and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes:

• To make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic.
• If you want to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta.
• This recipe makes a large amount, so it’s great for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

In conclusion, this Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. The tender beef and flavorful tomato sauce are complemented perfectly by the creamy Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, making for a satisfying and comforting dish. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is also easy to prepare and can feed a large group. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion, this Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the tasty and comforting flavors!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, but penne, rigatoni, or bow tie pasta work best for this recipe.

Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stove instead of in a slow cooker. Just cook the beef, onions, and garlic in a large pot over medium-high heat instead of in a skillet, then add the remaining ingredients and cook until heated through.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables to this recipe, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms. Just add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta

Sacrlett

This dish is a delicious combination of savory beef, tangy marinara sauce, and a generous helping of melted cheese, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The secret to this recipe is the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich, hearty dish that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 900 g 2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic minced
• 425 g 15 oz. marinara sauce
• 425 g 15 oz. stewed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 280 g 10 oz. frozen spinach, cooked
• 454 g 1 lb. penne/rigatoni/bow tie pasta, cooked al dente
• 60 g 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 170 g 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through and any excess fat has been drained. Remove from skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onions become translucent.
• Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to a slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, stewed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled beef bouillon cubes, and white sugar to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
• After 6-8 hours, turn the slow cooker to high heat. Add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.
• Stir in the cooked spinach leaves and serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

To make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic.

If you want to make this recipe a bit healthier, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta.

This recipe makes a large amount, so it's great for meal prep or for feeding a crowd.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keyword Slow Cooker Beef and Cheese Pasta