This Crockpot Cheesy Pasta and Beef Casserole is an easy, comforting slow cooker dinner your whole family will love. It combines browned ground beef, savory tomato sauce, tender penne pasta, and melted cheddar for a hearty, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or for making extra to enjoy as leftovers.
Crock Pot Cheesy Pasta and Beef Casserole
This slow cooker cheesy pasta and beef casserole is simple to prepare and full of comforting flavor. You brown the beef, combine a few pantry staples in the crock pot, and let it simmer on low. When the sauce is ready, stir in cooked penne and top with sharp cheddar for a classic, family-friendly casserole.
It makes a generous amount, so plan for leftovers—this dish reheats well for lunches or quick dinners the next day. The ingredients are flexible, which makes it easy to adapt to what you have on hand.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Pasta and Beef Casserole
This is one of those easy crockpot dinners that feels special but requires very little effort. If you like one-pot meals that combine meat, pasta, and cheese, this recipe is ideal. It’s hearty, kid-friendly, and very forgiving—swap seasonings, use different pasta shapes, or add vegetables like bell pepper or mushrooms if you’d like more variety.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard (mustard powder)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with basil, garlic, and oregano)
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet for browning beef
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Pasta pot to cook the penne
- Measuring cups and spoons
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and brown until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot. Add chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours (or on high for 3–4 hours). The long, slow cook helps develop flavor and tenderize the mixture.
- Near serving time, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and tomato mixture just before serving. Top with shredded cheddar cheese so it melts into the casserole.
Tips and Variations
For a leaner version, use lean ground turkey or beef with lower fat content. Add vegetables such as diced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, or frozen peas to boost nutrition and color—add them to the slow cooker about halfway through the cook time so they remain tender but not mushy. If you prefer a saucier casserole, increase the tomato sauce by 4–8 ounces.
If you want a crisp topping, transfer the finished casserole to a baking dish, sprinkle additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden. For a creamier texture, stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if the casserole seems dry. This dish also freezes well—freeze in portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
More Crockpot Casserole Ideas
- Crockpot Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole
- Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Tater Tot Hamburger Casserole
- Tater Tot Chicken Casserole
- Mushroom Pasta Casserole
- Chicken Orzo Casserole
This Crockpot Cheesy Pasta and Beef Casserole was originally shared in 2014 and updated in March 2020. It remains one of those dependable slow cooker recipes that delivers big flavor with very little effort—ideal for busy households and anyone who loves comforting, cheesy pasta dishes.