Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Beef and Macaroni

 

Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Beef and Macaroni

This Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Beef and Macaroni is the kind of comforting, family-friendly dinner that makes busy evenings much easier. Tender ground beef, hearty macaroni, tomatoes, and melted cheese come together in a rich, savory sauce for a simple meal everyone will enjoy.

With only six main ingredients, this slow cooker beef and macaroni is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or whenever you’re craving an old-fashioned comfort food classic.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni

The six main ingredients are: ground beef, onion, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and cheddar cheese. The macaroni is the pasta base of the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni

1. Brown the Beef

Cook the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Browning the beef first adds extra flavor and helps prevent the finished dish from becoming overly greasy.

2. Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef and onion to your slow cooker.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Slow Cook the Beef Mixture

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

The beef mixture should be hot and flavorful before adding the pasta.

4. Add the Macaroni

About 25–35 minutes before serving, stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the slow cooker.

Cover and continue cooking until the macaroni is tender. Stir once or twice during this final cooking stage to help the pasta cook evenly.

Avoid adding the macaroni too early because it can become overly soft during a long slow-cooking period.

5. Add the Cheese

Once the macaroni is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Cover for about 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Stir gently to combine the cheesy sauce with the beef and macaroni.

6. Serve

Spoon the hot beef and macaroni into bowls and serve immediately. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef and Macaroni

Use lean or moderately lean ground beef and drain the excess grease after browning. This keeps the sauce rich without making it too oily.

Add the macaroni near the end of cooking for the best texture. Slow cookers vary in temperature, so begin checking the pasta after about 20–25 minutes.

For a creamier texture, let the finished macaroni rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to thicken and cling to the pasta.

Easy Variations

For extra flavor, substitute part of the cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms if you don’t need to keep the recipe strictly to six main ingredients.

For a little heat, use a spicy tomato sauce or add red pepper flakes.

What to Serve With Beef and Macaroni

This hearty dish is filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with green beans, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are also delicious alongside the rich tomato sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a small splash of beef broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.

You can also freeze the cooked beef and macaroni for up to 2–3 months, although the macaroni may soften slightly after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put the uncooked macaroni in from the beginning?

It is better to add the macaroni near the end of cooking. Adding it too early can cause the pasta to become mushy.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Small pasta shapes such as small shells or rotini can work, although cooking times may vary.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I make this without browning the beef first?

For the best texture and flavor, browning the beef first is recommended. It also allows you to drain excess fat before the slow-cooking stage.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Beef and Macaroni is an easy, hearty meal made for busy family dinners. With savory ground beef, tomato sauce, tender macaroni, and melted cheddar cheese, it delivers classic comfort-food flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients. Prepare the beef mixture ahead, add the pasta toward the end, and you’ll have a warm and satisfying dinner ready for the table.