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Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni
There is something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of slow-cooked beef and macaroni. This hearty dish combines tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, soft elbow pasta, and sweet onions into one satisfying meal that feels both nostalgic and filling. It is the kind of recipe that brings warmth to the table and makes any ordinary day feel special. Whether you are cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a cozy dinner for a quiet evening at home, this recipe is simple, practical, and full of classic homemade flavor.
One of the best things about this slow cooker beef and macaroni recipe is how easy it is to make. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing the beef, tomatoes, onions, and seasonings to slowly blend together into a rich and savory sauce. As the mixture simmers, the flavors deepen beautifully, creating a comforting meal with very little effort. The pasta soaks up the delicious sauce near the end of cooking, giving every bite a perfect balance of meat, tomato, and tender macaroni.
This dish is ideal for anyone who loves easy comfort food recipes that still taste homemade and satisfying. It uses basic pantry ingredients, requires minimal prep, and can easily be customized with extra vegetables, cheese, or your favorite herbs. Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or enjoy it all on its own for a complete meal. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, slow cooker beef and macaroni is a timeless recipe you will want to make again and again.
Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes, about 14 ounces
- 1 can tomato sauce, about 15 ounces
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional for topping
- Fresh parsley, chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
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Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, oregano, and sugar if using. Stir everything together well.
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Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the sauce is rich and flavorful.
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About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover again and continue cooking until the pasta is tender. Stir once or twice if needed to prevent sticking. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more broth.
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Once the macaroni is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover for a few minutes until melted, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this beef and macaroni hot with:
- Garlic bread
- A simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Grated Parmesan cheese on top
Tips
- Brown the beef first for the best flavor.
- Add the pasta near the end so it does not get too soft.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- You can mix in mushrooms or extra bell peppers for more texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This slow cooker beef and macaroni recipe is the perfect example of easy homemade comfort food. It is rich, hearty, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a delicious tomato-based sauce, this meal is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, it is a recipe that delivers comforting flavor in every bite.
