The Best Slow Cooker Ground Beef and Macaroni Recipe for an Easy Dinner
This slow cooker beef and macaroni dish is just the thing for those hectic days. All you need to do is toss everything in the crockpot, and after a few hours, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy dinner that even the fussiest of eaters won’t be able to say no to.
The seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese combine like magic in one pot, making it an easy and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s almost impossible to mess up—just make sure the pasta stays submerged in the broth for a consistently flavorful and perfectly cooked dish.
If you enjoyed this recipe and are looking for more slow cooker ideas, you’re in luck! This beef and macaroni dish is just one of many easy and delicious recipes in my collection of slow cooker favorites.
Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker, 6 quart or larger
Ingredients
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1½ teaspoon cumin
- 1½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup yellow onion (diced)
- 1 cup green bell pepper (diced)
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can)
- 15 ounces red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Cook the meat and spices. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
- Cook the vegetables. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
- Transfer to slow cooker. Transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Then, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, crushed tomatoes, rinsed and drained red kidney beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for 1 hour. If cooking on high, check occasionally to make sure the pasta remains submerged in the liquid. Add more beef broth if necessary to keep the pasta covered.
- Add the cheese. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve. Once the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender, stir the mixture. Serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado for added flavor and texture.
Notes
More Tips:
Try cutting the onion and bell pepper into small, even pieces to make sure they cook evenly and mix well into the dish.
You can use less lean ground beef if that’s what you have, but you’ll need to drain it. When browning the ground beef, take your time to let it get a nice, deep color. This caramelization adds great flavor to the dish, so don’t rush this step.
If your ground beef releases much fat while cooking, consider removing some of it before adding the vegetables. This will prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Because slow cookers can vary in temperature, check the pasta a little earlier than the recipe suggests, especially if you prefer it more firm. You can switch to the “keep warm” setting if it’s done early.
Be careful if you’re cooking on high because the dish can overcook quickly. Keep an eye on the slow cooker, especially in the last 15-20 minutes.
After turning off the slow cooker, let the dish sit with the lid on for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and allows the pasta to absorb more of the sauce.
Every slow cooker will vary in how long it takes to cook pasta. The first time you make this, check every 30 minutes or so.
Key Ingredients and Tools
To successfully prepare this recipe, you’ll need a few important tools and ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Choose 90% lean ground beef from the meat section of your grocery store to keep the dish flavorful without being too greasy. You can replace it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the dish. This spice might not be available in all grocery stores. If you can’t find it, try a specialty spice shop or look online. Regular paprika can work if you don’t have it, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Use a large can of crushed tomatoes for the sauce base. If you can’t find crushed tomatoes, you can use diced tomatoes and blend them slightly for a similar texture.
- Elbow Macaroni: This pasta is a classic choice for this dish because it holds up well in the slow cooker. If you prefer a different pasta shape, go for a similarly small and sturdy one, like small shells or rotini. Just keep in mind that different pasta shapes might cook a little faster or slower, so check on it during cooking.
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe to ensure everything cooks evenly without overflowing.
These tools and ingredients are essential for making this recipe turn out just right. Be sure to have them on hand before you start cooking!
Troubleshooting and Help
Yes, you can! Whole wheat pasta is a great option, but just keep in mind that cooking might take a little longer. You might also need to add a bit more broth if it absorbs more liquid.
Definitely! You can make this recipe on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot. Just keep it on low heat and stir occasionally. It should be ready in about 30-40 minutes.
Sure thing! If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions and peppers. A splash of hot sauce at the end works, too!
You sure can, but you might need to halve the recipe to make sure everything fits. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, and keep an eye on it to make sure it’s cooking evenly.
To lighten it up, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and swap out half of the cheese for a lower-fat version. You can also add more veggies, like zucchini or spinach, to bulk it up without extra calories.
Yes, you can! Swap the ground beef with a meatless ground alternative or increase the amount of beans for extra protein. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
These tips should help you make the recipe just the way you like it. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
This slow cooker beef and macaroni is easy to prepare and is a perfect comforting meal for busy days. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a tasty dish that will please everyone at the table.
Whether you’re a cooking expert or just getting started, this recipe is a dependable favorite that never disappoints. I hope it brings some extra comfort to your weekday dinners and adds more enjoyment to mealtime.
If you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, especially with ground beef, check out my slow cooker dinner recipes for even more easy and satisfying options.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.