Servings: 6 to 8
If you are looking for a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Harrison is exactly what you need. It features tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. It is the perfect hands-off meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner.
The magic of this recipe lies in the layering. The spaghetti cooks directly in the sauce and beef, absorbing all the rich, savory flavors. The mozzarella melts into a gooey, golden crust on top, making every bite a perfect balance of creamy and saucy.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the convenience of dry spaghetti and a few simple ingredients. Layering the ingredients in the slow cooker allows the pasta to cook evenly and absorb the flavorful sauce. The mozzarella cheese on top melts into a golden, bubbly crust that ties everything together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 8 ounces dry spaghetti, broken in half
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker. Add half of the broken spaghetti, half of the browned beef, half of the remaining sauce, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining spaghetti, beef, sauce, and cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the edges are lightly browned. Try not to overcook, since slow cookers can vary.
- Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving so it slices and lifts more easily. Spoon onto plates and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Results
Watch the cook time. Slow cookers vary, so start checking at the 2 1/2-hour mark. The pasta should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking will cause the pasta to break down and become gluey.
Use a good quality spaghetti sauce. Since this is a 4-ingredient recipe, the flavor of your sauce really matters. Choose a brand you love for the best results.
Don’t skip the resting time. The 10-minute resting time after cooking allows the pasta to set up slightly, making it much easier to serve.
Add a little flair. While this is a 4-ingredient recipe, a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or dried oregano mixed into the ground beef are all delicious additions.
Use a slow cooker liner. Because the pasta and cheese can stick to the bottom of the crock, a slow cooker liner makes cleanup incredibly easy.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Serve it with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Hearty, cheesy, and completely hands-off, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Harrison is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation for easy weeknight dinners.