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Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta

Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta: Comforting Dinner Made Easy

Enjoy this Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta, a hassle-free, creamy dinner that brings comfort to busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 80/20 blend recommended for moisture and flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Swanson brand recommended.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Use room temperature to prevent curdling.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated pecorino can be used for a sharper taste.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Finely diced.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced for best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Oil Can substitute with olive or vegetable oil.
For the Pasta and Greens
  • 8 oz Pasta Barilla penne or rotini works best.
  • 2 cups Spinach Kale can be a good alternative.
For Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning Adjust to your liking.
  • 1 tsp Salt Use according to taste.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Use according to taste.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once shimmering, add ground beef, breaking apart. Cook for 3–5 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. In the same skillet, add finely diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 1 minute until aromatic and onions are slightly translucent.
  3. Transfer the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker, ensuring all flavors are included.
  4. Pour in beef broth and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, or LOW for 4–6 hours.
  6. After initial cooking, switch to HIGH and add uncooked pasta, ensuring it's submerged in sauce. Stir gently.
  7. Gradually pour in heavy cream and sprinkle parmesan cheese, stirring carefully to combine.
  8. Cook uncovered for the last 45 minutes to thicken the sauce and finish cooking pasta.
  9. Just before serving, mix in fresh spinach until wilted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 20mg

Notes

For best results, add pasta during the last 45 minutes and avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

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