When life gets busy, nothing beats the convenience of a hearty slow cooker meal. This 5-ingredient beef and cheese pasta is not only simple to make but also incredibly comforting. With minimal prep and a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll have a warm, cheesy pasta dish ready to serve your family without hovering over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients – Just five pantry staples make up the entire dish.
- Hands-Off Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
- Family Favorite – Beef, pasta, marinara, and gooey mozzarella—what’s not to love?
- Budget-Friendly – Affordable ingredients that stretch into a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
- Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful. - Combine in the Slow Cooker
Add the cooked beef, marinara sauce, uncooked pasta, and Italian seasoning into your slow cooker. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta. - Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors. - Cheese Time
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a bubbly, gooey layer. - Serve and Enjoy
Savor generous portions and indulge in the rich, cheesy flavors of this simple comfort meal.
Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies – Toss in frozen spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an extra nutritional boost.
- Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.
- Cheese Swap – Try cheddar, provolone, or an Italian cheese blend instead of mozzarella.
- Meal Prep Friendly – This pasta reheats well for lunchboxes or as leftovers on busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker beef and cheese pasta is proof that you don’t need complicated steps or a long ingredient list to enjoy a hearty, home-cooked meal. With its creamy, cheesy topping and savory beef-marinara base, it’s a dish your family will request again and again.