Easy Slow Cooker Beef and Pasta Casserole Recipe
This Slow Cooker Beef and Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, hearty pasta, and gooey cheese in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, as the slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is easy to customize with your favorite toppings like fresh parsley or Parmesan. The creamy texture and bold spices make it a family favorite that everyone will love. Ideal for potlucks or meal prep, it’s a hassle-free dinner packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
½ cup red pepper, diced
2-3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 ½ teaspoon dried basil
1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
3 tablespoons cream cheese
2 ½ cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked elbow pasta (penne or any short pasta works!)
2 cups shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion and red pepper until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Add the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, cream cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, dried basil, and one cup of shredded cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Add Pasta and Cheese
About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the uncooked pasta. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
5. Serve
Serve your cheesy beef casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or diced green onions for extra flavor.
Tips for Success:
For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Perfect for Any Occasion!
This Slow Cooker Beef and Pasta Casserole is a simple, delicious comfort food recipe that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
