This 5-ingredient slow cooker ditalini dinner is the kind of weeknight recipe that saves dinner when the day gets busy. Using dry ditalini right in the slow cooker keeps prep incredibly simple, and the end result is a cozy, family-style pasta meal with tender noodles, savory sauce, and plenty of comfort in every bite. It has that practical dump-and-go appeal I love on hectic days, especially when I want something hearty without standing over the stove.
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or garlic bread for an easy full meal. It also pairs well with steamed green beans or a bowl of fruit if you want to keep dinner balanced and low-effort. For a little extra richness, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top right before serving goes perfectly.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Ditalini Dinner
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Directions
1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the cooked ground beef, pasta sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Stir in the dry ditalini, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is tender.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted. Stir lightly or serve with the melted cheese on top.
5. Spoon into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Make it cheesy: If your family loves extra cheese, stir in an additional handful of mozzarella at the end or finish each bowl with Parmesan. It makes the sauce a little creamier and gives the dish that extra comfort-food feel.
Swap the protein: Ground turkey or Italian sausage both work well here if you want to change up the flavor. Sausage gives it a little more richness, while turkey keeps it lighter for an easy weeknight dinner.
Watch the timing: Since dry ditalini is small, it cooks faster than larger pasta shapes in the slow cooker. Start checking it around the 90-minute mark so it stays tender instead of getting too soft.
Meal prep tip: You can brown the meat the night before and refrigerate it, so all you have to do the next day is add everything to the slow cooker. That little bit of prep makes this recipe even more manageable on a busy workday.
