Creamy Beefy Crockpot Pasta Bake -

This Creamy Beefy Crockpot Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, all conveniently cooked in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the combination of ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheeses creates a satisfying texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare; just brown the beef, mix everything in a crockpot, and let it do the work for you. Lastly, it’s versatile—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the cheese! This meal also stores well, making it excellent for leftovers or meal prep.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Beefy Crockpot Pasta Bake

Choose the Right Pasta: Penne or rotini works best because their shapes hold onto the sauce nicely.

Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef and onions completely to develop flavors.
Melt Cheese to Perfection: Let the cheesy topping sit on the warm setting for 10-15 minutes for optimal melty goodness.
Customize Ingredients: You can easily modify the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Leftovers Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this Creamy Beefy Crockpot Pasta Bake:

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika

3 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (no alcohol-based ingredients)

1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Nonstick spray or oil for greasing

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Creamy Beefy Crockpot Pasta Bake:

Step 1: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and the finely chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Lightly grease the crockpot insert. Add the uncooked pasta, cooked beef mixture, diced tomatoes (with juice), pasta sauce, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Stir once halfway through if possible.

Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the sour cream along with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until creamy.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top, then cover and let sit on the WARM setting for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot directly from the crockpot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate, then just plug in the crockpot to cook in the morning.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

5. What can I serve with this recipe?

This dish pairs nicely with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beefy Crockpot Pasta Bake is not only delicious and easy to make but also a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with little effort. Let your crockpot do the heavy lifting while you enjoy quality time with family or friends. Whether you make it for dinner or save it for meal prep, it is sure to become a favorite in your household!