Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Pasta
This easy slow cooker ground beef pasta is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food that turns simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when money is tight, this cheap crockpot pasta recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Everything cooks in one pot, creating a hearty, savory beef pasta that’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Benefits)
Budget-Friendly – Made with affordable pantry staples
Easy to Make – Just dump, stir, and cook
Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults
One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup, more convenience
Hearty & Filling – Perfect comfort food for any day
Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 lb rotini pasta
Directions
- Cook the beef (optional but recommended):
Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, then drain excess fat. - Prepare the slow cooker:
Lightly grease your slow cooker to prevent sticking. - Combine ingredients:
Add cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Stir well. - Cook the sauce:
Cover and cook on HIGH for 1–1.5 hours or LOW for 2–3 hours until hot and flavorful. - Add pasta:
Stir in dry rotini pasta, making sure it is fully submerged. - Cook pasta:
Cook on HIGH for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pasta is tender. - Finish & serve:
Let sit for 5–10 minutes to thicken. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this slow cooker beef pasta with:
- Fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or toast
- Steamed vegetables or fruit slices
Tips & Variations
- Add cheese for a cheesy beef pasta twist
- Stir in cream for a creamy crockpot pasta
- Use penne, shells, or elbow pasta instead of rotini
- Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavor
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist
- Perfect for meal prep lunches
