Looking for an easy, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Beef Macaroni is the perfect comfort food! Tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a rich tomato sauce come together with plenty of melted cheddar cheese.
It’s warm, filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just prepare the beef sauce in your slow cooker, stir in the macaroni near the end, and finish with a generous handful of cheese!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH, plus 20–30 minutes for pasta
- Total Time: Approximately 4½–5½ hours on LOW
- Servings: 6
- Course: Main Course, Dinner
- Cuisine: American
- Method: Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Macaroni Beef Baked Casserole (Cheesy Family Dinner) – Recipes by Clare
For the Beef Sauce
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Classic Cowboy Casserole | Festival Foods Blog
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Add the diced onion and cook for another 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drain excess grease if necessary. Make sure the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Chili con carne en Crock Pot, la receta definitiva para la olla de cocción lenta
Transfer the cooked beef mixture into your slow cooker.
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Beef Sauce
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce | Punchfork
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the flavors have blended and the sauce is hot and bubbling.
Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily because this releases heat and slows the cooking process.
Step 4: Add the Elbow Macaroni
How To Make Old-Fashioned American Goulash | The Kitchn
Stir the beef sauce well.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir until the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through if possible.
Check the pasta after 20 minutes. Continue cooking in short intervals until the macaroni is tender but still holds its shape.
Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so avoid overcooking the pasta.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the macaroni is tender, turn off the slow cooker.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, if using.
Mix until the cheese melts into the hot beef macaroni, creating a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
One-Pot Beef Goulash – Delishably
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
Let the macaroni rest for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve warm with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Macaroni
- Brown the beef first: This develops a deeper flavor and allows you to drain excess grease.
- Use lean ground beef: It helps prevent the finished sauce from becoming too greasy.
- Add pasta near the end: Macaroni cooks much faster than the beef sauce and can become mushy if added too early.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
- Watch the pasta: Slow cookers vary, so check the macaroni early and avoid cooking it longer than necessary.
- Adjust the consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of warm beef broth.
Easy Variations
One-Pot American Beef and Macaroni Goulash Recipe | Instacart
Cheesy Beefy Mac Bowl: Easy, Comforting One-Pot Weeknight Meal
8
1. Beef and Vegetable Macaroni
Add 1 diced bell pepper and 1 cup finely chopped carrots to the beef sauce before slow cooking.
2. Spicy Beef Macaroni
Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Creamy Beef Macaroni
Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese along with the cheddar for an extra creamy finish.
4. Mushroom Beef Macaroni
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the beef sauce.
5. Extra Cheesy Macaroni
Increase the cheddar to 2 cups for a richer, cheesier family dinner.
What to Serve with Beef Macaroni
Garlic Bread vs Flat Bread – SnapCalorie Nutrition Comparison
Steamed carrots and broccoli Nutrition
4
This hearty pasta dinner pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls.
- Fresh garden salad.
- Steamed broccoli and carrots.
- Roasted green beans.
- Cucumber and tomato salad.
- Roasted zucchini.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator: Allow leftovers to cool slightly and refrigerate in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Store for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The macaroni may soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot throughout. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).
Make Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the beef sauce separately for up to 2 days. Reheat it until simmering, then add the uncooked macaroni and cook until tender, following the package guidance and checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put uncooked macaroni directly into the slow cooker?
Yes! Add uncooked elbow macaroni during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking. Make sure there is enough liquid for the pasta to absorb as it cooks.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Small shells, rotini, or mini penne can work. Cooking times may vary, so check the pasta regularly.
3. Do I need to brown the ground beef first?
Yes, browning is recommended. It improves the flavor, helps remove excess grease, and ensures the beef is cooked properly before it goes into the slow cooker.
4. Why is my beef macaroni too thick?
The pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks. Add a little warm beef broth and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.
5. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes! Simply leave out the cheese. The tomato-based beef sauce will still make a delicious and hearty macaroni dinner.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Beef Macaroni
Slow Cooker American Goulash | Slow Cooker Foodie
A hearty slow cooker dinner with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese.
PREP TIME
15 minutes
COOK TIME
4½–5½ hours
TOTAL TIME
About 5 hours
SERVINGS
6
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet for 6–8 minutes. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, checking until tender.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Garnish with parsley and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes: Add pasta only near the end to prevent mushiness. Cooking times vary by slow cooker. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store for 3–4 days.
