Slow Cooker Pasta Bake

 Slow Cooker Pasta Bake (Easy & Cheesy Comfort Dinner)

This Slow Cooker Pasta Bake is the perfect hands-off meal! Tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and lots of melted cheese cook together in the slow cooker for a warm, comforting dinner the whole family will love. It tastes like baked pasta from the oven but with much less effort.

 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional but very creamy)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

 Instructions

1. Cook the meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned. Drain excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
2. Prepare the sauce
   Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Layer in the slow cooker
   Lightly grease your slow cooker. Add the uncooked pasta, then pour the meat sauce mixture over it. Add the beef broth and stir gently so the pasta is mostly covered.
4. Slow cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or until the pasta is tender. Stir once halfway through if possible.
5. Add the cheese
   Spoon small dollops of ricotta over the pasta, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top.
6. Melt the cheese
   Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
   Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

 Tips

• Add pepperoni or cooked sausage for a pizza-style pasta bake.
• Mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use rigatoni, penne, or rotini because they hold the sauce well.

Serving Idea: Serve with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal.