16 Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes for Family Dinners are truly a game-changer for busy households seeking delicious, stress-free meal solutions. As someone who appreciates both gourmet flavors and precious free time, I understand the perpetual quest for meals that deliver on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. Have you ever dreamt of a dinner that practically cooks itself, filling your home with enticing aromas long before you even think about stepping into the kitchen? That dream becomes a delightful reality with the magic of slow cooking. Pasta, a timeless and universally adored comfort food, has graced dinner tables for centuries, evolving from simple ancient grains to the myriad shapes and sauces we cherish today. Its enduring appeal lies in its remarkable versatility and its comforting ability to unite families around a hearty meal.
However, traditional stovetop or oven methods often demand active attention, which, let’s be honest, can be a luxury for many of us. This is precisely where the brilliance of the Crockpot steps in. It transforms the art of pasta making into an effortless endeavor, allowing you to prepare ingredients in the morning and return to a perfectly cooked, flavorful dinner. People absolutely adore this approach because it combines the rich, satisfying taste and texture of slow-simmered dishes with unparalleled convenience and minimal cleanup. Imagine coming home to a warm, comforting pasta meal, ready to serve, with flavors so deeply melded they taste like they’ve been simmering all day – because they have! These 16 Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes for Family Dinners promise not just a meal, but a moment of relaxation and enjoyment, freeing up your evenings for what truly matters. I’m genuinely thrilled to share this collection, confident it will become a go-to resource in your culinary arsenal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a touch to get our flavors started and brown the beef beautifully.
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef: Or feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble for a lighter touch.
- 1 large onion, chopped: The aromatic backbone of so many delicious dishes, providing a foundational sweetness.
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is non-negotiable for that irresistible savory depth! Adjust to your preference.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: This provides the hearty, rich tomato base for our sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds to the smooth texture and robust tomato flavor.
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste: A concentrated burst of tomato goodness that thickens the sauce and deepens its color.
- 1 cup beef broth: (or vegetable broth) Helps thin the sauce slightly and adds another layer of savory flavor.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings all the essential Mediterranean herbs together.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Sweet and peppery, basil is a quintessential partner to tomato.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter, it balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle warmth and a gentle kick. Feel free to increase if you love spice!
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors. We’ll adjust at the end too.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a sharp, pungent note that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 pound dry pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni): Choose a sturdy shape that will hold up well to slow cooking and cling to the sauce.
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%): Adds a wonderful creaminess and helps achieve that luscious texture.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes: The secret ingredient for an unbelievably rich and velvety sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible, melty, gooey cheese pull!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, salty, umami kick that finishes the dish perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional): A vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceousness, if desired.
Preparation is Key: A Little Sautéing Goes a Long Way
While the beauty of many crockpot recipes lies in simply dumping everything in, for a truly exceptional Crockpot Pasta, I’ve found that a little pre-sautéing makes all the difference. This crucial step develops deeper flavors in our ground beef and aromatics, ensuring every bite of your finished dish is bursting with deliciousness. It really sets the stage for a rich, savory sauce that complements the pasta beautifully.
- Brown the Ground Beef: First things first, grab a large skillet and heat your 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s beautifully browned all over. This browning process is vital as it creates a wonderful depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. As it cooks, you’ll notice fat rendering out. It’s important to drain off any excess grease from the pan. This step prevents your slow cooker pasta from becoming oily and ensures the sauce remains rich and flavorful, not greasy. Once browned and drained, transfer the cooked ground beef into your large (6-quart or larger) slow cooker insert.
- Sauté the Aromatics: With the same skillet, you might have a tiny bit of residual beef drippings – that’s excellent for flavor! Reduce the heat to medium, and add your 1 large chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has softened and become translucent. This gentle cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the onion, which will infuse into our sauce.
- Infuse with Garlic and Spices: Now, stir in your 2-3 cloves of minced garlic into the softened onions. Cook for just another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. At this point, I like to add a burst of flavor by stirring in the dry spices: 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and the optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toasting these spices for about 30 seconds with the aromatics really wakes up their flavors before they join the rest of our ingredients. This quick bloom of the spices truly enhances their aromatic qualities.
Assembling Your Crockpot Pasta Masterpiece
Once our foundational flavors are developed, it’s time to bring everything together in the slow cooker. This is where the magic really begins to happen, as all the ingredients will meld and simmer slowly, creating a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort on your part. Layering the ingredients correctly ensures even cooking and a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.
- Build the Sauce Base: To the slow cooker, alongside your browned beef, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Next, pour in the entire can of 1 (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes, the 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, the concentrated 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, and the 1 cup of beef broth. These ingredients form the luscious, tomato-rich foundation of our pasta sauce.
- Season and Stir: Season the sauce generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give everything a really good stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. You want to ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated and all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. This initial mixing is important because it sets the flavor profile for the entire dish.
- Cover and Cook (Initial Phase): Secure the lid onto your slow cooker. Set the cooker to the LOW setting and cook for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. During this initial cooking phase, the flavors will have ample time to meld and deepen, creating a rich, robust sauce. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the herbs will fully hydrate and release their aromatic oils. This slow simmering process is what gives crockpot dishes their distinctive depth of flavor, making every bite taste like it’s been cooking all day, which, of course, it has!
The Slow Cooker Does Its Magic: Cooking the Pasta
One of the most common questions I get about Crockpot Pasta is about cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker. The answer is a resounding yes! It’s one of the best parts about these recipes – no separate pot for boiling water, fewer dishes, and the pasta absorbs all those wonderful flavors directly from the sauce. This technique ensures every strand of pasta is infused with the savory goodness we’ve been building.
- Add the Dry Pasta: After the initial cooking time for the sauce has elapsed, carefully remove the lid from your slow cooker. Give the sauce another good stir. Now, it’s time to add your 1 pound of dry pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni). I always recommend using a sturdy, medium-sized pasta shape that won’t become mushy too quickly. Smaller, delicate pasta shapes can sometimes overcook in the slow cooker, so something with a bit more bite is ideal. Gently stir the pasta into the sauce, making sure it is as submerged as possible in the liquid. This ensures even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking together or drying out.
- Continue Slow Cooking the Pasta: Replace the lid on your slow cooker. Continue to cook on the LOW setting for another 30-45 minutes, or on HIGH for 15-25 minutes, checking periodically. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s specific heat and the type of pasta you’ve chosen. Your goal is to cook the pasta until it is al dente, or just slightly firmer than you’d normally cook it on the stovetop. It will continue to soften slightly even after the heat is off. Stirring occasionally during this phase (every 10-15 minutes) is a good practice to prevent the pasta from clumping and to ensure it cooks evenly. This careful monitoring ensures your pasta has the perfect texture and isn’t overdone.
The Grand Finale: Creamy, Cheesy Perfection
We’re in the home stretch! This is the moment where we transform our rich tomato and beef sauce into an incredibly creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible pasta dish. These final additions elevate the flavor and texture profile significantly, moving our Crockpot Pasta from just good to absolutely unforgettable. Get ready for that luscious, comforting consistency that everyone loves in a family dinner.
- Introduce the Creaminess: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the lid. Add the 1 cup of milk and the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, cut into cubes, directly into the slow cooker. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cream cheese has completely melted into the sauce and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is a game-changer! The cream cheese adds an incredible richness and velvety texture that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a truly luxurious mouthfeel. It’s what makes this dish so incredibly comforting and satisfying.
- Melt in the Cheeses: Now for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta. Stir gently to incorporate the cheeses into the hot pasta mixture. Then, if you like, leave some cheese on top and replace the lid for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheeses are beautifully melted and bubbly. The residual heat from the slow cooker will be more than enough to achieve that glorious, gooey cheese pull. Once melted, give it one final, gentle stir to distribute all that cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
- Final Touches and Serving: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might find it needs a little more salt or pepper to truly pop. If desired, garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note. Serve this hearty Crockpot Cheesy Beef & Tomato Pasta immediately, perhaps alongside a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that incredible sauce. Get ready for happy faces around the dinner table!
Serving Suggestions & Customization Tips
One of the reasons I absolutely adore Crockpot Pasta for family dinners is its incredible versatility and how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and what you have on hand. It’s a true weeknight hero that allows for creativity and helps reduce food waste, all while delivering a consistently delicious meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize and serve this dish:
Different Pasta, Different Fun
- Pasta Shape: While I’ve suggested penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni, don’t feel limited! Other great options include ziti, cavatappi, or even medium shells. The key is to choose a pasta that is relatively sturdy and has some surface area for the sauce to cling to. Avoid very thin or delicate pastas like angel hair or thin spaghetti, as they tend to become mushy in the slow cooker.
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative or catering to dietary needs, whole wheat pasta works wonderfully and adds a nutty flavor. For gluten-free options, just be aware that some brands can be a bit more delicate, so you might need to reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness more frequently.
Protein Power-Ups
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: As mentioned, ground turkey or chicken are fantastic leaner alternatives to beef. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but still incredibly delicious and satisfying. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to chicken or turkey to ensure it’s equally flavorful.
- Italian Sausage: For an extra boost of flavor and a little spice, try using mild or hot Italian sausage (casings removed). Brown it just like you would the ground beef. The fennel and other seasonings in the sausage will add a wonderful dimension to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat entirely! Instead, sauté some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini with the onion and garlic. You can also add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or chickpeas for plant-based protein, incorporating them with the tomatoes. Just make sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Veggie Boosts
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. They will wilt beautifully into the hot pasta, adding nutrients and a lovely green color.
- Bell Peppers or Zucchini: You can dice up a bell pepper or some zucchini and add it along with the crushed tomatoes. They’ll soften nicely in the slow cooker and contribute extra texture and flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with your onions and garlic for an earthy addition that pairs wonderfully with the beef and tomato sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious, creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: Simple steamed vegetables are always a welcome addition to complete the meal.
- Extra Cheese: Always have extra grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella on hand for those who love an extra cheesy topping!
Troubleshooting Common Crockpot Pasta Issues
Even though Crockpot Pasta is wonderfully easy, sometimes things can go a little awry. Don’t worry, I’ve been there! Here are some common issues you might encounter and my go-to solutions to ensure your family dinner is always a success:
My Pasta is Mushy!
This is probably the most common complaint when cooking pasta in a slow cooker, and it’s usually due to overcooking.
- Solution: The best way to prevent mushy pasta is to start checking for doneness earlier than the recipe states. Slow cookers vary greatly in temperature and cooking times. Set a timer for the minimum suggested cooking time for the pasta (e.g., 30 minutes on low), then check every 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired al dente texture. Remember, it will continue to soften slightly even after the heat is turned off, so err on the side of slightly undercooked.
- Another Tip: If your slow cooker runs particularly hot, you might even consider adding the pasta and liquid later in the cooking process, perhaps during the last hour or so of the initial sauce cooking time.
My Pasta is Dry and Sticking Together!
If your pasta isn’t fully submerged in liquid, it won’t cook properly and can become hard, dry, or clumpy.
- Solution: Ensure that when you add the dry pasta, you give it a very thorough stir to make sure it’s as fully submerged as possible in the sauce. If your sauce seems exceptionally thick or there isn’t enough liquid to cover the pasta adequately, you can always add an extra 1/2 cup to 1 cup of beef broth (or water) at the same time you add the pasta. This provides the necessary liquid for the pasta to absorb and cook properly.
- Stir Periodically: As mentioned in the instructions, stirring every 10-15 minutes during the pasta cooking phase also helps prevent clumping and ensures even hydration.
The Sauce is Too Thin/Too Thick!
The perfect sauce consistency is a matter of personal preference, and sometimes slow cookers can evaporate liquid differently.
- Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin at the end, before adding the cheese, you can remove a cup or two of the sauce, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch (mixed with a little cold water to form a slurry), then return it to the slow cooker and stir until thickened. Alternatively, if you have time, simply remove the lid and continue to cook on high for an extra 15-30 minutes, allowing some of the excess moisture to evaporate. The cream cheese and mozzarella will also help thicken it slightly.
- Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a splash more milk or beef broth (a quarter cup at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
The Flavors Are Just Not “Popping”!
Sometimes, despite all the right ingredients, a dish can feel a little flat.
- Solution: A crucial step is always to taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. After adding the milk and cheeses, give it a taste. Often, it just needs a little more salt to brighten all the flavors. A pinch more black pepper, a dash of garlic powder, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice (which works wonders to cut through richness and add brightness) can make all the difference. Sometimes, a tiny bit of sugar can also balance the acidity of the tomatoes if they seem too tart.
Why Crockpot Pasta is a Family Dinner Favorite
In our busy lives, finding truly easy, delicious, and comforting dinner solutions that satisfy the whole family is like finding gold. And that, my friends, is exactly what Crockpot Pasta delivers, making it one of the absolute best choices for those weeknight meals. It perfectly encapsulates everything we love about hearty, home-cooked food without the constant hovering over the stove.
First and foremost, the “easy” factor cannot be overstated. With just a minimal amount of upfront prep (which, let’s be honest, is part of the fun of cooking!), your slow cooker takes over, allowing you to focus on other tasks, spend time with your family, or simply relax. There’s no frantic stirring, no timing multiple components, just a gentle, consistent heat working its magic. This hands-off approach is a lifesaver for parents juggling work, school, and extracurricular activities. Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of a savory, cheesy pasta dish, ready and waiting for you.
Then there’s the incredible depth of flavor. Slow cooking allows all the ingredients – the rich tomatoes, aromatic herbs, savory beef, and eventually the creamy cheeses – to meld together over hours. This prolonged simmering creates a sauce that is far more complex and harmonious than one cooked quickly on the stovetop. Each bite is infused with layers of taste, making it incredibly satisfying and comforting, something both kids and adults genuinely crave.
Furthermore, Crockpot Pasta is inherently a family-friendly meal. It’s comforting, familiar, and almost universally loved. The creamy, cheesy sauce appeals to even the pickiest eaters, and the hearty nature of the dish ensures everyone feels well-fed and happy. It’s a meal that fosters togetherness around the dinner table, providing a moment of warmth and connection in our often-hectic schedules. Plus, the ability to customize with different proteins, veggies, and pasta shapes means you can easily adapt it to suit everyone’s preferences, ensuring there’s always something for everyone.
Finally, the cleanup is usually a breeze! With most of the cooking happening in one pot, you’re left with far fewer dishes to wash, which is always a win in my book. This combination of ease, incredible flavor, family appeal, and simple cleanup makes Crockpot Pasta recipes an absolute staple for busy households looking for nourishing and delicious dinner solutions. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary with a little time and the help of your trusty slow cooker!

Conclusion:
As we wrap up our culinary journey through the world of incredibly easy and satisfying slow cooker meals, I truly hope you feel as inspired as I do by the sheer simplicity and profound deliciousness that this particular crockpot pasta recipe brings to the table. For me, it’s not just a dish; it’s a revelation, a weekday superhero, and a testament to how effortlessly we can create something truly spectacular with minimal fuss. I genuinely believe this recipe stands out as a prime example of why you absolutely, unequivocally must give it a try. It embodies everything we cherish about home cooking – comfort, flavor, and the joy of sharing a nourishing meal with those we love, all without the usual kitchen chaos.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its genius combination of hands-off convenience and deeply satisfying flavor. Imagine coming home after a long, busy day, and instead of facing a mountain of pots and pans or the dreaded question of “what’s for dinner?”, you’re greeted by the aromatic embrace of a perfectly cooked, bubbling pasta dish, ready to be devoured. This isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s the reality this crockpot pasta offers. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for every member of your family, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates. The pasta emerges perfectly tender, coated in a rich, savory sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours, even though your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. The cleanup is a breeze, often just one pot to wash, freeing up your precious evening hours for what truly matters – spending quality time with your loved ones, reading a book, or simply relaxing.
Now, let’s talk about making this recipe truly your own, because the possibilities for customization are endless and incredibly fun! While it’s utterly fantastic as is, I always encourage you to play around with ingredients and discover new favorite combinations. For an extra boost of fresh flavor and vibrant color, consider stirring in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking; they’ll wilt beautifully into the sauce. If you’re a mushroom lover, sautéed slices added at the beginning can impart a wonderful earthy depth. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even finely diced carrots can also be fantastic additions, sneaking in extra vegetables for your family without them even realizing it! For those who adore a bit more protein, cooked chicken (shredded or diced), browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or even a can of drained lentils can be stirred in during the last hour to create an even heartier meal. And let’s not forget the cheese! While Parmesan is a classic, a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella, a sharp cheddar, or even a creamy goat cheese could elevate the flavor profile to new heights. The flexibility of this recipe makes it an absolute gem among the 16 Easy Crockpot Pasta Recipes for Family Dinners that we all rely on.
When it comes to serving, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. And who can resist a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread for dipping into that glorious sauce? It’s the perfect accompaniment! For a lighter option, a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli would also be delightful. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes too; while sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti work wonderfully, you might find success with others. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from becoming too soft. If you have dietary considerations, feel free to substitute gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese alternatives; the slow cooker is remarkably forgiving, allowing for easy adaptations.
So, my dear fellow food enthusiasts, my biggest wish for you is to experience the pure joy and immense satisfaction that comes from making this crockpot pasta. It truly is a game-changer for busy weeknights and a delightful option for relaxed weekend meals alike. Don’t just read about it – gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let it work its magic! Once you’ve tried it, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear about your experience. Did you add any unique twists? What did your family think? Please share your photos, comments, and any clever variations you discovered in the comments section below. Your insights and culinary adventures inspire me and our entire cooking community. Happy cooking, and prepare to fall in love with your slow cooker all over again!
FAQs – People Also Ask:
Here are some common questions you might have about making pasta in your slow cooker:
Can you put uncooked pasta in a slow cooker?
Absolutely, yes! For most crockpot pasta recipes, including this one, you add uncooked dry pasta directly to the slow cooker along with the sauce and other ingredients. The pasta cooks slowly in the liquid, absorbing flavors beautifully. It’s one of the main appeals of slow cooker pasta!
What kind of pasta works best in a slow cooker?
Sturdier, medium-sized pasta shapes tend to hold up best in a slow cooker. Think penne, rotini, ziti, rigatoni, or cavatappi. Smaller pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini can also work, but keep a closer eye on them as they may cook faster. Thinner pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine can sometimes clump together or break more easily, but can still be used with careful stirring and proper liquid ratios.
How do you keep pasta from getting mushy in a slow cooker?
To prevent mushy pasta, the key is usually to add the pasta later in the cooking process, typically during the last 30 minutes to an hour of the total cook time. This allows the sauce to simmer and develop flavor without overcooking the pasta. Ensure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to absorb, but not an excessive amount that would drown it. A good stir once or twice after adding the pasta also helps prevent clumping and promotes even cooking.
Can I add meat to my crockpot pasta?
Yes, absolutely! Adding meat is a fantastic way to make your crockpot pasta even heartier and more substantial. You can brown ground beef or Italian sausage on the stovetop first, drain any excess fat, and then add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cooked and shredded chicken (leftovers work great!), diced ham, or even plant-based protein crumbles are also excellent additions. If adding raw meat, ensure it’s fully cooked through within the slow cooker’s recommended temperature guidelines.
How long does crockpot pasta last in the fridge?
Leftover crockpot pasta, stored in an airtight container, typically lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. It makes for excellent packed lunches or quick reheated dinners! For best quality, make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating, and reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.

Easy Crockpot Pasta: Quick Family Dinners!
A wonderfully easy, delicious, and comforting Crockpot Pasta recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and finished with creamy milk and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this one-pot meal is designed to satisfy the whole family with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1.5 lbs lean ground beef
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1 large onion, chopped
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2-3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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1 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 lb dry pasta (e.g., penne, rotini, elbow macaroni)
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1 cup milk
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8 oz cream cheese, softened, cubed
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Step 1
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Brown 1.5 lbs ground beef, drain fat, and transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté 1 chopped onion until softened (5-7 mins). Stir in 2-3 cloves minced garlic for 1 min. Add 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); toast for 30 seconds. Transfer to slow cooker. -
Step 2
To the slow cooker, add the sautéed onion/garlic mixture. Pour in 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir all ingredients thoroughly. -
Step 3
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours for flavors to meld. -
Step 4
After initial cooking, remove lid and stir sauce. Add 1 lb dry pasta, stirring to submerge. Replace lid and cook on LOW for 30-45 minutes or HIGH for 15-25 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until pasta is al dente. -
Step 5
Once pasta is cooked, remove lid. Stir in 1 cup milk and 8 oz softened, cubed cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Stir gently, then cover for 5-10 minutes until cheeses are melted and bubbly. Give a final stir. -
Step 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional). Serve immediately with a side salad and garlic bread.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.




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