Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
Why make this recipe
Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that will warm you up on any day. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a hearty meal without much fuss. Cooking it in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and creamy pasta dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.
How to make Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for better flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 8 oz pasta (I always use Barilla penne or rotini for this)
- 4 cups beef broth (I use Swanson for a consistent savory base)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (room temperature, about 70°F to prevent curdling)
- 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
Directions:
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned, about 3-5 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
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Carefully pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just enough for flavor. Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker.
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Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to mix all the seasonings evenly throughout the liquid.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours. The beef should be very tender and the broth richly seasoned.
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Switch the slow cooker to HIGH setting. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged. Pour the room-temperature heavy cream slowly while stirring to distribute it evenly. Add the grated parmesan and mix well.
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Cook uncovered for the final 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
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Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving. It will wilt quickly in the hot pasta. Give everything a final stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.
How to serve Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
Serve this creamy pasta in bowls, topped with extra parmesan if desired. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to make it a complete meal. Enjoy it hot for the best flavor!
How to store Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to help bring back the creaminess.
Tips to make Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
- Use room-temperature heavy cream to avoid curdling when mixing it into the hot pasta.
- For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used based on your dietary preferences.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen ground beef?
A: Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to thaw it properly before cooking for even browning.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute, but the texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just assemble and cook in the crockpot the next day.
Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
- Carefully pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just enough for flavor.
- Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to mix all the seasonings evenly throughout the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours until the beef is very tender.
- Switch the slow cooker to HIGH setting. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
- Pour the room-temperature heavy cream slowly while stirring to distribute it evenly. Add the grated parmesan and mix well.
- Cook uncovered for the final 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
- Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving and give everything a final stir. Taste for seasoning, adjusting salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve this creamy pasta in bowls, topped with extra parmesan if desired. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Notes
