Craving a mouthwatering comfort food that practically cooks itself? Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate lazy cook's dream - Crockpot Macaroni and Beef! This hearty, crowd-pleasing dish combines the rich, savory flavors of ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni that will have your family racing to the dinner table. Imagine coming home to a warm, bubbling pot of cheesy goodness that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves delicious home-cooked meals without the hassle, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté with the ground beef until onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the crockpot, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine with the beef and onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the crockpot, stirring to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Continue cooking until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the dish and let it melt for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the best flavor, brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding to the crockpot. This helps develop a deeper, richer taste.
- Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease, but don't skip draining the fat after browning.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Don't add the pasta too early - adding it in the last 30 minutes prevents it from becoming mushy and overcooked.
- For extra creaminess, try using a mix of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little extra beef broth. If it's too thin, leave the lid off for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to help it reduce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture.
- For a complete meal, serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
