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Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta

Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta for Busy Nights

This Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Final Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef Choose 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture.
  • 1/2 cup onion (finely diced) Adds a sweet flavor base and aroma.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Infuses deep flavor and fragrance.
  • 1 tbsp oil Necessary for browning the beef.
For the Pasta and Broth
  • 8 oz pasta (Barilla penne or rotini) Short pasta holds sauce well.
  • 4 cups beef broth Swanson is a trusted brand.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (room temperature) Key for achieving creamy texture.
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan Fresh is best but pre-grated works too.
For Flavor and Seasoning
  • 1 cup fresh spinach Adds color and nutrition.
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning Boosts flavor profile.
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt Essential for balancing flavors.
  • 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder Double dose of garlic goodness.
  • 1 1/4 tsp onion powder Elevates onion flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper Introduces bit of heat.
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Provides hint of spice.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and brown for about 3-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it's mostly cooked through. Stir in 1/2 cup of finely diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant and the onions become translucent.
  2. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the beef mixture and transfer it to your slow cooker. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and sprinkle in 1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 1 1/4 teaspoons of salt, 1 1/4 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
  3. Cover your slow cooker and cook the mixture on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours. Stir halfway through if you can.
  4. When the beef is tender, switch the slow cooker to HIGH if it had been on LOW. Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked pasta, ensuring it's fully submerged. Cover it again and allow the pasta to cook for about 10 minutes.
  5. Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of room-temperature heavy cream while stirring to prevent curdling. Add 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese and mix until well blended into the sauce.
  6. Leave the lid off and allow the recipe to cook for an additional 45 minutes. Just before serving, stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach and let it wilt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, let the pot cool to room temperature before sealing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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