Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats an easy slow cooker dinner that requires just a few ingredients. This 3-ingredient slow cooker beef and noodles recipe combines tender ground beef, savory pasta sauce, and egg noodles for a hearty, comforting meal with very little prep.

It’s an ideal easy weeknight dinner, especially when you want a filling family meal without a long ingredient list. Browning the beef first adds extra flavor, while the slow cooker brings everything together into a rich, saucy pasta dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 24 ounces pasta sauce
• 8 ounces uncooked egg noodles
• 2 cups water

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until completely browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Combine the beef and sauce: Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Pour in the pasta sauce and stir until evenly combined.
3. Add the noodles: Add the uncooked egg noodles and 2 cups of water. Stir gently to distribute the noodles and make sure most of them are covered with liquid.
4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if needed, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve: Give everything a final stir and serve hot. Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Pasta

• Only 3 main ingredients: Perfect for busy nights and simple grocery lists.
• Easy family dinner: A hearty combination of beef and pasta that is filling and comforting.
• Budget-friendly meal: Uses affordable everyday ingredients.
• Minimal prep: Most of the cooking happens in the slow cooker.
• Cold-weather comfort food: Warm, saucy pasta makes a satisfying dinner on chilly evenings.
• Easy to customize: Add cheese, vegetables, herbs, or your favorite pasta shape.

Helpful Tips

Brown the beef first: This adds a deeper, richer flavor and helps prevent excess grease from ending up in the slow cooker.

Check the noodles: Slow cookers vary in temperature, so begin checking the pasta toward the 2-hour mark to prevent overcooking.

Adjust the liquid: If the noodles look dry before they’re tender, add a little hot water. If the finished sauce is too thin, let the dish rest uncovered for several minutes.

Add cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar during the final few minutes for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.

Try another pasta shape: Rotini or small shells can work as alternatives to egg noodles, although cooking time and liquid requirements may vary.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles

Serve this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread. A simple vegetable side adds freshness and balances the rich pasta sauce.