Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that combines the classic flavors of hearty ground beef, cheesy macaroni, and rich tomato sauce? Look no further! This slow cooker casserole is about to become your new family favorite. Imagine coming home to a deliciously warm, perfectly cooked dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you'll create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Add chopped onions and cook until the meat is fully browned and onions are translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef and onion mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Transfer the browned beef and onions to the slow cooker.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Pour the diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato sauce over the beef and macaroni. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for
- 5-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
- Check macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef with some minced garlic or adding a dash of Italian seasoning before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a creamier, more melted texture.
- Don't overcook the macaroni - the beauty of this recipe is keeping the pasta tender but not mushy. Check it periodically during the last hour of cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture.
- For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey as a substitute.
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 296kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 57mg
