Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni
Dive into the world of comfort food with this slow cooker beef and macaroni recipe. A simple yet hearty dish that combines lean ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce with elbow macaroni, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that promises to deliver both taste and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights and large gatherings alike.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
5-6 hours on low or 4-5 hours on medium
Servings
This recipe serves 6.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound (453.6 grams)
- Elbow Macaroni: 2 cups (about 200 grams)
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces or about 411 grams)
- Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 ounces or about 425 grams)
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 grams)
- Onion, chopped: 1 medium (about 110 grams)
- Bell Pepper, chopped: 1 medium (about 119 grams)
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves (about 6 grams)
- Water: 2 cups (473 milliliters)
- Fresh Parmesan Cheese, grated: 1/2 cup (about 55 grams)
- Carrots, diced: 1 cup (about 128 grams)
- Potatoes, diced: 1 cup (about 150 grams)
- Beef Broth (optional for cooking pasta): Substitute equal amount for water
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded: 1 cup (about 113 grams)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5 grams)
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (about 1 gram)
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the lean ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until the beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables are softened. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, carrots, potatoes, and water (or beef broth if using) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on medium for 4-5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
This slow cooker beef and macaroni recipe is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting and satisfying meal. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and the ease of preparation, it’s the perfect dish for anyone looking to bring a touch of homemade warmth to their dinner table. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to cater to various tastes, making it a surefire hit for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg