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comforting crockpot ground beef pasta 2026 03 29 131019 683x1024 1

Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta

A delicious and easy meal that warms you up, featuring ground beef, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce cooked in a crockpot.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 640
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Preferred 80/20 for better flavor and moisture
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp oil for cooking
  • 8 oz pasta Barilla penne or rotini preferred
  • 4 cups beef broth Swanson recommended for 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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s browned, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Carefully pour off any excess grease from the skillet, leaving just enough for flavor.
  5. Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker.
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours until the beef is very tender.
  3. Switch the slow cooker to HIGH setting. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  4. Pour the room-temperature heavy cream slowly while stirring to distribute it evenly. Add the grated parmesan and mix well.
  5. Cook uncovered for the final 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy and thickened.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving and give everything a final stir. Taste for seasoning, adjusting salt or pepper if needed.
Serving
  1. 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

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pasta in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Use room-temperature heavy cream to avoid curdling when mixing it into the hot pasta. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.