Crock Pot Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
This Crock Pot Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and tender pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection in just a few hours. The cheesy topping melts beautifully, adding the final touch to this irresistible dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete family meal!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup diced onion
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with basil, garlic, and oregano, undrained)
1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese (or substitute ricotta cheese)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef and Onion
In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onion halfway through cooking. Drain excess grease.
2. Prepare the Tomato Mixture
Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Rotel tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, green onions, and garlic powder until smooth.
4. Layer the Casserole in the Crock Pot
Pour half of the spaghetti sauce and water mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
Add half the uncooked cavatappi pasta, then top with half of the meat mixture.
Spread all of the cream cheese mixture over the meat layer.
Add the remaining pasta, then top with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining spaghetti sauce.
5. Cook and Finish
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
Stir well, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Cover for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts.
Notes:
For a creamier texture, you can swap cottage cheese for ricotta cheese.
This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for the ultimate family meal.
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Enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make casserole that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
