Ground Beef Crockpot Delight
Are you searching for a simple, satisfying meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This Ground Beef Crockpot Delight is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner prayers. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – even the kids will love it! Forget slaving over the stove; this recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Embrace the magic of the slow cooker and say hello to stress-free dinners!
Equipment
- Crockpot
- skillet,
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounce marinara sauce jar
- 10.75 ounce condensed cream of mushroom soup can
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important because it eliminates extra fat, which will improve the overall taste and consistency in the crockpot.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the browned ground beef, marinara sauce, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking low and slow allows the flavors meld together beautifully, creating an incredibly rich and satisfying dish.
- Cook Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the crockpot. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Substitutions: For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery. If you're looking for a keto crockpot recipe, consider using cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Pro Tips & Variations: Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness. Brown the beef well for added flavor. Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread, side salad, steamed vegetables, or Caesar salad to complement this dish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).