Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Beefy Mac Casserole! Imagine coming home to a rich, cheesy, and hearty meal that practically cooks itself - no complicated techniques, no endless hours of preparation. This American classic combines the ultimate comfort foods - juicy ground beef, tender macaroni, and melted cheese - into one incredible dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone who loves delicious, hassle-free meals, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
- Transfer browned ground beef to the crock pot, ensuring even distribution across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes with their juice directly over the ground beef, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the meat and tomatoes, ensuring seasoning is distributed uniformly.
- Pour uncooked macaroni over the seasoned meat and tomato mixture, making sure pasta is somewhat submerged.
- Carefully pour beef broth over the entire mixture, gently stirring to combine ingredients without disturbing the bottom layer.
- Cover crock pot and set to low heat setting, cooking for
- 5 to 4 hours until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- During the final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, allowing it to melt completely.
- Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, scooping portions directly from the crock pot, ensuring each serving has a mix of pasta, beef, and melted cheese.
Tips
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding to the crock pot to enhance flavor and remove excess fat.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and richer taste.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Don't stir too much during cooking - this can break down the pasta and create a mushy texture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Italian seasoning.
- If the dish seems too dry, add a little extra beef broth during cooking.
- Let the casserole rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar and mozzarella for variety.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
