Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Pasta with Zucchini

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, one-pot meal with tender ground beef, spaghetti, and tender zucchini in a mild tomato sauce, perfect for picky eaters. This American-inspired slow-cooker recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs ground beef, spaghetti, tomato sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in 8 oz spaghetti, 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 diced medium zucchini, 1 diced medium carrot, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until spaghetti is tender and sauce has thickened.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Pasta with Zucchini take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 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 Ground Beef and Pasta with Zucchini?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Pasta with Zucchini?

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 Ground Beef and Pasta with Zucchini 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 Ground Beef and Pasta with Zucchini?

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.

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