Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne in a rich beefy tomato sauce is full of ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese. It’s an easy Crock Pot comfort food recipe the whole family loves. 

This hands-off comfort food dinner is perfect for busy days.

SLOW COOKER CHEESY PENNE

I browned the beef with the bacon and onions on the stove, then transferred it, along with the remaining ingredients, to the slow cooker to finish cooking. There are about 5 minutes of hands-on time, and the Crock-Pot does the rest.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• Olive oil.
• Onion. I used sweet onion, but you can use white or red.
• Bacon bits.
• Ground beef.
• Salt.
• Garlic.
• Celery seeds.
• Ground pepper.
• Italian seasoning.
• Oregano.
• Pasta sauce. I used marinara sauce, but you can use tomato basil or anything with Italian seasoning that you like
• Tomatoes. I use Basil & Garlic petite diced tomato. However, it’s delicious with roasted tomatoes. Also, if you want more spice, you could use Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles.
• Pasta. Instead of penne, you can use any short pasta such as Rotini, cavatappi, or shells. You need to use substantial pasta when cooking pasta in a slow cooker. Spaghetti and angel hair will cook too fast and become mushy. Pasta in a CrockPot has a softer texture. You may not like this recipe if you prefer pasta with a bite.
• Mozzarella. I like a lot of cheese. Therefore, I put 2 cups in and 2 cups on top. If you prefer less cheese, I suggest mixing in 1 cup and leaving 2 cups on top.
• Parmigiano.
• Extras. Add 1 cup of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, or cottage cheese to make it creamier.

METHOD FOR SLOW COOKER CHEESY PENNE

1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the oil and add the onion and bacon bits. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent.
2. Add the ground beef and the seasoning. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.
3. Transfer to the slow cooker.
4. Add the pasta sauce and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Mix well.
5. Add the uncooked pasta and mix well.
6. Add 1 to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Mix until all ingredients are well blended.
7. Cook on high for 90 minutes, mixing every 30 minutes.
8. Once the pasta is cooked, add the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmigiano.
9. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

TIPS AND FAQ FOR SLOW COOKER CHEESY PENNE

If you don’t serve immediately, unplug the slow cooker. Even when left on low, it will continue to cook the pasta and overcook.

HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

CAN I USE FRESH HERBS?

Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or freshly grated cheese

CAN I USE PRE-SHREDDED CHEESE?

I never recommend using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cornstarch and other ingredients to prevent sticking and clumping together. We simply do not need those additives.

HOW CAN I SAVE TIME?

You can brown the hamburger meat earlier and refrigerate it. If you plan ahead and batch-cook hamburgers or chicken when you’re making them for another meal, you can save a lot of time.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE PRODUCTS YOU USE?

Here are links to the slow cooker, bowls, etc

• Red spoon
• Slow cooker
• Glass bowls

Serve with Easy Lemon Cobbler Recipe for dessert.

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