Description
Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect slow cooker dinner for busy days. Tender pasta simmers in a rich, creamy beef sauce with parmesan and Italian spices, creating a hearty, family-friendly meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- For the Beef Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp oil
- For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add beef broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Add uncooked pasta and mix to submerge in liquid.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting results.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Leftovers store well for up to 3 days refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American