Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Casserole
Some recipes are remembered because they are fancy, while others become family favorites because they are easy, comforting, and always disappear first. This slow cooker beef pasta casserole is exactly that kind of recipe.
Inspired by an old family recipe card saved for decades, this 4-ingredient slow cooker pasta combines tender egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, savory tomato pasta sauce, and onion. Everything cooks together in the slow cooker for an effortless dinner that is hearty enough for a family meal and easy enough for a busy weeknight.
With minimal preparation and simple pantry ingredients, this slow cooker ground beef pasta is also perfect for potlucks, family reunions, Sunday dinners, and late-summer gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Pasta
- Only 4 main ingredients: Simple ingredients make this an affordable and convenient dinner.
- Easy slow cooker recipe: Most of the cooking happens in one appliance, leaving you free to handle other things.
- Family-friendly comfort food: Tender noodles and savory beef make this a satisfying meal for kids and adults.
- Great for feeding a crowd: The recipe makes about 8 servings, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Budget-friendly dinner: Ground beef, egg noodles, onion, and pasta sauce are inexpensive staples.
- Easy to customize: Add shredded cheese, extra beef, or your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
- Perfect make-ahead meal: Keep it warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve.
Servings: 8
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Cook time: 2–3 hours on LOW
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 24 ounces pasta sauce
- 12 ounces dry egg noodles
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
1. Brown the beef and onion.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes tender. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the sauce.
Transfer the cooked beef and onion to your slow cooker. Pour in the pasta sauce and stir until everything is evenly combined.
3. Add the noodles.
Stir the dry egg noodles into the slow cooker, coating them with the sauce as evenly as possible. Cover and cook on LOW for about 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the noodles are tender, add a small splash of water and continue cooking.
4. Serve hot.
Once the noodles are tender, give everything a final stir and serve immediately. The result is a warm, savory, satisfying pasta casserole that’s perfect straight from the slow cooker.
Easy Variations and Tips
Make It Cheesy
For an extra-comforting casserole, stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the final 15 minutes of cooking. The melted cheese creates a creamy, bubbly finish and makes the pasta even more satisfying.
Add More Beef
Feeding a hungry family? Brown an additional ½ pound of ground beef and add it to the slow cooker. If necessary, increase the amount of pasta sauce slightly so the noodles remain well coated.
Hide the Onion
For picky eaters, finely grate the onion instead of chopping it. You’ll still get the savory flavor without large pieces of onion throughout the casserole.
Watch the Cooking Time
Egg noodles can become soft quickly in a slow cooker. Begin checking them around the 2-hour mark, especially if your slow cooker tends to run hot. Once the noodles are tender, switch the cooker to WARM to help prevent overcooking.
What to Serve With Beef Pasta Casserole
This hearty slow cooker pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try serving it with:
- Buttered green beans
- Fresh garden salad
- Sliced tomatoes
- Garlic bread
- Toasted dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple grilled chicken
The extra sauce is especially good with warm garlic bread or toasted rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Egg noodles work especially well because they cook relatively quickly, but similar short pasta shapes can be used. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar and mozzarella are both excellent choices. Add shredded cheese during the final 15 minutes so it has time to melt without becoming overcooked.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Because it is made in a slow cooker, it works well for family gatherings and potlucks. However, avoid leaving the noodles cooking for too long because they can become overly soft.
How do I keep the pasta from becoming dry?
Make sure the noodles are well coated with sauce before cooking. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or additional pasta sauce.
