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Creamy Ground Beef Pasta in the Crockpot Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 36 reviews
  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours (Slow Cooker) or 5 minutes (Instant Pot pressure cooking) plus time for browning
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (Slow Cooker) or 20 minutes (Instant Pot including prep and browning)
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This crockpot creamy ground beef pasta is a comforting and easy dinner made with simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream. The slow cooker effortlessly melds flavors while cooking the pasta right in the pot, resulting in a cheesy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. It can also be prepared quickly in an Instant Pot for a faster option without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta
  • 1/3 cup onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach or kale

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or another dried herb
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or more)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, breaking up the beef as it browns. Drain excess grease once cooked.
  2. Prepare in Slow Cooker: Transfer browned beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook on Slow Cooker: Cover and set slow cooker to HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
  4. Add Pasta and Dairy: During the last 45 minutes of cooking, ensure the slow cooker is on HIGH. Stir in uncooked pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Cook until pasta is tender.
  5. Finish with Greens: Stir in fresh or frozen spinach or kale just before serving to allow it to wilt slightly.
  6. Instant Pot Option - Sauté Beef: Select the sauté mode on the Instant Pot. Heat oil, then add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  7. Instant Pot Seasoning and Pasta: Add Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to the beef mixture and stir. Place uncooked pasta over the beef mixture without stirring.
  8. Add Broth and Pressure Cook: Pour beef broth over the pasta without stirring. Close lid and seal valve. Set to high pressure for 5 minutes.
  9. Release Pressure and Finish: Quick release the pressure when cooking is complete. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach until combined and spinach is wilted. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Cooking time for the pasta may vary depending on the type and size of pasta used.
  • The dish will thicken as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream if needed.
  • Using fresh spinach results in a tender leafy texture, while frozen spinach adds convenience and freezes well within the dish.
  • This recipe works well with various pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or shells.

Find it online: https://yumbara.com/creamy-ground-beef-pasta-in-the-crockpot-recipe/