Description
This Slow Cooker Beef & Cheese Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal combining savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker for a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 1/2 cups plus 1/2 cup)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Liquids and Oils
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the beef mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the mixture: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Melt topping cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, stir in a little more beef broth to loosen it.
