Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Pasta
A comforting one-pot meal with ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese, slow-cooked to perfection with a rich tomato sauce. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs penne pasta, lean ground beef, medium, finely diced (1 cup) onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium, finely diced (1 cup) onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb lean ground beef until browned, breaking it into small crumbles; drain excess fat, then add 1 cup finely diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 24 oz marinara sauce and 1 tsp dried oregano, then season with salt and pepper to taste; transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Step 3: Cook 12 oz penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water; add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce mixture, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, then let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Cheesy Beef and Pasta?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this slow are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
