Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta Recipe
This comforting crockpot ground beef pasta is an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then slow-cooked with beef broth and Italian seasonings to build rich flavors. Uncooked pasta is added later, simmering in the creamy sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan until tender. Fresh spinach is stirred in at the end for a touch of green, making a deliciously creamy one-pot dinner with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup onion (finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil
Pasta and Liquids
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 4 cups beef broth (Swanson recommended)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (room temperature, about 70°F)
Cheese and Greens
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Seasonings
- 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
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant. The fat content in 80/20 beef keeps the meat moist throughout slow cooking.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Seasonings: Drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving a little for flavor. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly combine the seasonings into the broth base.
- Slow Cook the Beef Mixture: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours depending on time. This slow cooking makes the beef tender and infuses the broth with rich, deep flavors.
- Add Pasta and Cream: Set slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in uncooked pasta, breaking it slightly to submerge. Slowly pour in room-temperature heavy cream while stirring to prevent curdling. Sprinkle in grated parmesan and stir thoroughly. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Spinach and Seasoning: Stir fresh spinach into the hot mixture just before serving. Let it wilt in residual heat for 1-2 minutes. Give everything a final stir and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy, flavorful meat throughout slow cooking.
- Pour heavy cream slowly and use room temperature cream to avoid curdling.
- Stir pasta occasionally during the last 45 minutes to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to taste.
- Spinach adds nutrients and freshness but can be substituted with kale or arugula if desired.
Keywords: crockpot ground beef pasta, slow cooker pasta, creamy beef pasta, easy slow cooker dinner, one pot beef pasta
