If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while you tend to other things, this Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines rich, savory ground beef with tender pasta, a creamy tomato sauce, and a perfect blend of Italian herbs, all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is the ultimate weeknight winner that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and delivers a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component brings a layer of flavor, texture, or richness that turns this into a memorable meal worth repeating.
- 1.25 lbs ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds satisfying richness and depth.
- 1 tbsp oil: Helps to brown the beef and develop a flavor-packed foundation.
- 1/2 cup onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic complexity when cooked.
- 5 garlic cloves (finely minced): Provides a punch of savory warmth that elevates every bite.
- 24 oz marinara sauce (I like Rao’s Homemade): A rich, tangy tomato base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1.25 cups diced tomatoes: Give freshness and a subtle burst of juiciness to the sauce.
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flair.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 3.5 cups water: Ensures the pasta cooks perfectly and absorbs the sauce flavors.
- 2 cups pasta (such as rotini or penne): The star carbohydrate that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess to soften the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Adds gooey, stringy goodness that’s a dream in every forkful.
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Offers sharp umami notes that boost the overall richness.
How to Make Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the ground beef and cook aromatics
Start by heating oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed, then add the finely minced garlic and diced onion, stirring until fragrant and softened. This step is key to building a deep, savory flavor base for the recipe.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in the crockpot
Transfer the browned beef, garlic, and onion mixture to your crockpot. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to meld the flavors before adding the water and pasta. Make sure the pasta is evenly submerged to cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow cook to perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the pasta to absorb all those delicious tomato and beef flavors, while the sauce thickens into a luscious consistency. Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often so the heat stays constant.
Step 4: Finish with cream and cheese
Once cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan. The heat from the crockpot will slowly melt the cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy finish that makes this dish utterly irresistible. Give it a good stir to combine everything smoothly.
How to Serve Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top to add a pop of bright, herbal freshness that balances the richness. A few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese on the plate elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or crusty baguettes are perfect companions for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in rustic ramekins or individual cast-iron skillets, topped with fresh herbs and extra cheese broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes every serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to keep the pasta creamy and prevent it from drying out. If needed, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne work wonderfully, feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta’s thickness and shape.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning the ground beef and cooking the aromatics first creates richer flavor and better texture. Skipping this step can result in a less tasty dish with predictable canned flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Adjust seasoning as needed to maintain a flavorful sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping out the heavy cream and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheese, you can enjoy this recipe without dairy. The texture and flavor might differ slightly but still delicious.
How thick should the sauce be when it’s done?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta nicely without being watery. If it seems too thin at the end, turn the crockpot to high, uncover it, and let it cook for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a go-to comfort meal to your rotation, this Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe is a no-fail winner that brings big flavors with minimal fuss. Its tender pasta, creamy sauce, and savory beef come together in a way that feels cozy, homemade, and just plain delicious. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it on busy weeknights.
Print
Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Homemade Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef simmers slowly with tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and pasta in a crockpot, creating rich and hearty flavors. Finished with creamy heavy cream and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a delicious family-friendly dinner with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1.25 lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
Sauces and Liquids
- 24 oz marinara sauce (such as Rao’s Homemade)
- 1.25 cups diced tomatoes
- 3.5 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot.
- Add liquids and seasoning to crockpot: Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add pasta: Stir the uncooked pasta into the crockpot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce and liquid mixture.
- Cook in crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 5 hours. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender while flavors meld.
- Finish with cream and cheese: After cooking, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water to 3 cups.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream and cheeses or use plant-based alternatives.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added before serving for extra flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make sure to stir the pasta well into the crockpot to avoid clumping.
