Description
A delicious and easy creamy slow cooker beef pasta recipe that combines tender ground beef, creamy cheese, and pasta, perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g)
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) of penne or rotini
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Beef broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g), undrained
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup (100 g) of cheddar or mozzarella
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until translucent, then add to the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 20-30 minutes before serving, boil the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and cream cheese into the slow cooker until fully incorporated.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more beef broth to reach desired consistency. Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, beef pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, family meal