Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef Casserole

by
This Slow Cooker Creamy Ground Beef Casserole is the ultimate rich, budget-friendly comfort food. Combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • Beef Base:
    • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (browned and drained)
    • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Creamy Sauce & Vegetables:
    • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
    • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
    • ½ cup sour cream (or cream cheese, softened)
    • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth or milk
    • 1 cup frozen corn or peas (optional, for color and sweetness)
  • Pasta & Cheese:
    • 8 oz rotini, elbow macaroni, or penne pasta (uncooked)
    • 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-mozzarella blend), divided

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft.
  2. Drain any excess grease from the pan, then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

  1. Transfer the browned ground beef mixture to the slow cooker insert.
  2. Add the condensed soup, tomato sauce, sour cream, beef broth (or milk), and frozen corn/peas. Stir well until the creamy base is completely smooth and combined with the meat.
  3. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Slow Cook

  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours (or HIGH for 2 hours).

Step 4: Add the Pasta & Melt Cheese

  1. About 30 to 45 minutes before serving, boil your pasta in a separate pot of salted water for just 2 to 3 minutes under the package directions for al dente (it will finish tenderizing in the slow cooker without getting mushy). Drain well.
  2. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the slow cooker mixture until thoroughly coated.
  3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it cook on LOW for another 15 to 20 minutes until the pasta is completely tender and the cheese layer on top is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips & Serving Ideas

  • Make It Extra Cheesy: For a golden, crispy cheese top, transfer the casserole base to an oven-safe baking dish, top with cheese, and pop it under the oven broiler for 3 to 4 minutes right before serving!
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp green garden salad or garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Leave a Comment