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This crockpot casserole is a simple, hearty meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese—all cooked together in one pot. It’s a great option for busy days when you want a comforting, no-fuss dinner that practically makes itself.
The slow cooker does the work, producing a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, this casserole comes together easily. Layering the ingredients helps the pasta cook perfectly without getting mushy, while the cheese melts into a rich, creamy finish.
It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with favorite add-ins like veggies or different cheeses.
If you love this crockpot recipe, be sure to check out some of my other favorite cozy recipes like my crockpot pulled pork sandwiches, comforting chicken cacciatore, or these quick and veggie side dish ideas.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, light, or crowd-pleasing, there’s something here for everyone!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Layer the Ingredients: Place the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic in the crockpot. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Pasta: Sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over the mixture. Do not stir.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or on high for 1.5–2 hours, until the pasta is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Cover and cook on low for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes:
- Serves 4–6 people.
- For extra flavor and nutrition, diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be added before cooking.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to lighten the dish.
- Leftovers reheat well, making this casserole great for next-day meals.
- Layering the pasta on top rather than stirring helps keep it from becoming mushy.
Ground Beef Casserole
This crockpot casserole is a simple, hearty meal that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese—all cooked together in one pot. It’s a great option for busy days when you want a comforting, no-fuss dinner that practically makes itself.
The slow cooker does the work, producing a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, this casserole comes together easily.
Layering the ingredients helps the pasta cook perfectly without getting mushy, while the cheese melts into a rich, creamy finish.
It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with favorite add-ins like veggies or different cheeses.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Layer the Ingredients:
Place the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic in the crockpot. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir gently to combine.
Add Pasta:
Sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over the mixture. Do not stir.
Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or on high for 1.5–2 hours, until the pasta is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Add Cheese:
Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Cover and cook on low for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Serves 4–6 people.
For extra flavor and nutrition, diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be added before cooking.
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef to lighten the dish.
Leftovers reheat well, making this casserole great for next-day meals.
Layering the pasta on top rather than stirring helps keep it from becoming mushy.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 812Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 1331mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 56g
Wrapping Up Ground Beef Casserole
This Crockpot Ground Beef Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a family.
The slow cooker handles the hard work, resulting in a rich and cheesy casserole where tender pasta and savory beef meld beautifully. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with different cheeses or veggies, making it a reliable staple for simple, satisfying dinners.
