Slow Cooker Pasta Gladstone brings together ground beef, tomato sauce, and tender pasta in one hearty dinner. With four ingredients and a quick browning step, it is an easy meal to put together for a busy afternoon.
Four Simple Ingredients
- Ground beef gives the sauce its hearty texture. Brown it and drain the excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Jarred pasta sauce provides a seasoned tomato base. Use a variety you already enjoy.
- Undrained diced tomatoes add texture and liquid to help cook the pasta.
- Penne or rotini hold the chunky beef sauce well. Add them dry during the final cooking stage.
Tips for Tender Pasta
Stir the pasta thoroughly into the hot sauce so it is evenly coated. Start checking after 20 minutes on HIGH, then continue cooking as needed. Pasta shape and slow cooker temperature can affect the timing.
If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is tender, stir in a small splash of hot water. Serve promptly once the pasta reaches your preferred texture, as it will continue absorbing sauce while it sits.
Serving Ideas
Spoon the pasta into bowls and serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. Grated Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley make optional finishing touches.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Gladstone
A hearty beef and tomato pasta dinner made with four everyday ingredients.
Servings 6
Slow cooker time 3–4 hours on LOW, followed by approximately 20–25 minutes on HIGH
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces dry penne or rotini pasta
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Stir in the pasta sauce and undrained diced tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours.
- Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in the dry pasta, coating it thoroughly in the hot sauce. Cover and cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once or twice, until tender. Allow additional time if needed.
- Stir well and serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- Keep the diced tomato juices to help hydrate the pasta.
- If needed, add a small splash of hot water during the pasta cooking stage to loosen the sauce.
- Check the pasta frequently near the end and serve once tender for the best texture.