Description
A dump-and-go slow cooker meal that balances savory ground beef and pasta with a bright, tangy acid punch to cut through the richness, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 oz tomato sauce (no added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is translucent (5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Transfer the beef mixture and the sauce mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add dry pasta and water (or beef broth) to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure pasta is submerged.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours. Do not cook on High.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check pasta for tenderness. Stir well. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.
Notes
Browning the beef first adds significant flavor complexity. Ensure pasta is fully submerged to prevent it from remaining hard. Apple cider vinegar is key for balancing the richness; do not substitute with lemon juice unless necessary. If the sauce is too thin, cook on high for the last 30 minutes. If too thick, add more liquid. Pasta may become softer upon freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker, sloppy joe pasta, dump and go, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef pasta, meal prep, acid balance