Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? Meet the Crock Pot Cheesy Beefy Rotini—a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this slow-cooked delight is perfect for busy evenings when you want a hearty meal without the hassle. Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of seasoned beef and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen—this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Ready to dive into cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat completely to ensure a leaner dish.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the crock pot, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the ground beef, ensuring complete coverage of the meat.
- Add one cup of water to the crock pot, which will help cook the pasta and prevent the dish from becoming too dry during the long cooking process.
- Add the uncooked rotini pasta directly into the crock pot, gently stirring to combine with the meat and sauce.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and become tender.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir to incorporate the melted cheese throughout the pasta and beef mixture.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Lean Meat: For a healthier option, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey. This will reduce excess fat and keep your dish lighter.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different marinara sauces or even add in some Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- Don’t Skip the Water: Adding water is crucial for cooking the rotini properly and ensuring the dish doesn’t dry out.
- Stir Gently: When adding the rotini and cheese, stir gently to avoid breaking up the pasta too much.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps thicken the sauce and meld the flavors beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra cheese on top before serving can elevate the dish visually and enhance the flavor.
- Leftovers?: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
