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Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta in a white bowl showing creamy sauce and pasta

Comforting Crockpot Ground Beef Pasta

This crockpot ground beef pasta is the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself. With pasta cooking right in the pot with the beef and creamy sauce, this one-pot meal requires no boiling water and minimal cleanup.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 383
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred for moisture
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 8 oz pasta penne or rotini
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream room temperature
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 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

Equipment

  • Slow cooker/crockpot
  • large skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart until browned (3-5 minutes). Add onion and garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain excess grease.
  2. Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
  3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours.
  4. Switch slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in uncooked pasta, heavy cream, and parmesan. Cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
  5. Stir in fresh spinach just before serving. Let wilt for 1-2 minutes, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Notes

Add pasta only during the last 45 minutes to prevent mushiness. Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling.
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