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Slow Cooker Pasta Casserole

A rich and hearty Slow Cooker Pasta Casserole that is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 lb Ground beef or Italian sausage Browned in a skillet
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped Cooked with meat
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Cooked with meat
Casserole Base
  • 16 oz Uncooked pasta (e.g., rotini or penne) No need to pre-cook
  • 24 oz Marinara sauce
  • 14.5 oz Diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
Cheese
  • 2 cups Shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella and cheddar) Added 30 minutes before serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage along with chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is nicely browned. Drain off excess fat.
  2. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat mixture, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Cooking
  1. Cover and let it cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and flavorful.
  2. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese until it melts beautifully.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and enjoy the smiles around the table.

Notes

For best results, consider using a mix of cheeses and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Serve with a salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.