Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pasta Radcliff
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pasta Radcliff is a comforting, hearty pasta dinner made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Tender pasta, savory ground beef, tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and Italian seasoning come together in the slow cooker for an easy family meal.
This is the kind of recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are inexpensive, the preparation is straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Radcliff
- Only 5 main ingredients
- Easy slow cooker meal
- Family-friendly
- Hearty and filling
- Budget-friendly
- Great for busy weeknights
- Perfect for leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How to Make Slow Cooker Pasta Radcliff
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the Beef and Sauce
Transfer the cooked ground beef to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning.
Stir until the beef and sauce are evenly combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours or until the sauce is hot and the flavors have blended.
Avoid cooking the pasta during this initial stage because adding it too early can result in mushy noodles.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Stir the uncooked penne into the hot meat sauce.
Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the sauce.
Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for approximately 30–45 minutes, stirring once or twice if possible, until the pasta is tender.
Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and pasta brand.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Cover and cook for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted.
Step 6: Serve
Turn off the slow cooker and let the pasta rest for a few minutes.
Spoon into bowls and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Pasta Radcliff
Brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This improves both flavor and texture.
Use a pasta shape that holds sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are good choices.
Do not add the pasta at the beginning of cooking. It can become overly soft during several hours in the slow cooker.
Keep an eye on the pasta during the final cooking stage because slow cookers vary in temperature.
For extra cheesiness, reserve a little mozzarella to sprinkle over individual servings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Radcliff with warm garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
A side of roasted vegetables also pairs nicely with this hearty pasta dish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The meat sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
When ready to finish the meal, warm the sauce in the slow cooker and add the uncooked pasta during the final cooking stage.
Because cooked pasta can soften during storage, it is best to cook the pasta as close to serving time as possible.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. A splash of water or additional pasta sauce can help loosen the pasta as it reheats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey can replace the ground beef, although the flavor will be slightly lighter.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, shells, or another short pasta can work well. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times.
Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
Yes. Cheddar will provide a sharper flavor, while mozzarella gives the dish a mild, stretchy, classic pasta finish.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini can be added for extra flavor and nutrition. Keep additional ingredients modest so the pasta still cooks properly.
Recipe Card
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pasta Radcliff
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: About 4 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess grease.
- Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
- Cover for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
- Rest for a few minutes and serve hot.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Pasta Radcliff is an easy, satisfying dinner that combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, Italian seasoning, and melted mozzarella. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on preparation, it is a practical recipe for busy families.
Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete comfort-food dinner that is sure to become a weeknight favorite.