This slow cooker 6-ingredient beef and macaroni is the kind of weeknight comfort food I build my meal plan around. Everything starts with a layer of raw ground beef in the bottom of the slow cooker, then dry elbow macaroni is dumped straight on top—no browning, no boiling. A simple tomato base, broth, and a generous handful of shredded cheese do the rest of the work while you get on with your day. It’s a very Midwestern, pantry-friendly cousin of American goulash, streamlined to use just six ingredients and minimal prep, but still rich, saucy, and satisfying.
Serve this beef and macaroni straight from the slow cooker with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese and a little black pepper. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or simple steamed green beans helps balance the richness. Warm garlic bread or buttered toast soldiers are great for scooping up the saucy macaroni. If you enjoy a glass of wine, a light red like a Beaujolais or a simple table red pairs nicely, but this is just as at home with iced tea or sparkling water and lemon.
Slow Cooker 6-Ingredient Beef and Macaroni
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean), raw
2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
1 can (24–26 ounces) pasta sauce or tomato basil marinara
2 cups beef broth (or water, but broth is best)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack), plus more for serving if desired
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Directions
Lightly spray the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to help with cleanup.
Break the raw ground beef into small, even pieces and spread it in an even layer over the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps it cook through and mix evenly with the pasta later.
Pour the dry elbow macaroni directly over the raw ground beef, spreading it into an even layer. Do not stir; you want the beef on the bottom and the dry pasta on top at this stage.
In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the pasta sauce, beef broth, and kosher salt until well combined. This liquid mixture is what will both cook the macaroni and gently poach the beef.
Slowly pour the sauce-and-broth mixture over the dry macaroni, making sure all of the pasta is moistened. Use the back of a spoon to gently press down any dry pasta so it’s mostly submerged, but avoid aggressively stirring the layers.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 4 1/2 hours.
About halfway through the cooking time, quickly lift the lid and give everything a gentle but thorough stir, breaking up any remaining clumps of beef and making sure the macaroni is circulating in the sauce. Replace the lid promptly so you don’t lose too much heat.
When the macaroni is tender and the beef is fully cooked through, turn the slow cooker to WARM or OFF. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then gently fold it into the beef and macaroni until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt if needed.
Let the mixture sit, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly. The sauce will tighten up as the pasta continues to absorb some of the liquid. Serve warm, straight from the slow cooker, with extra cheese on top if you like.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly lighter version, use 90–93% lean ground beef and low-sodium broth, then adjust the salt at the end.
If you prefer a creamier, almost casserole-like texture, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk along with the cheese at the end. To add more flavor without adding more ingredients, choose a robust pasta sauce—something labeled tomato basil, roasted garlic, or herbed marinara will bring more character to the dish.
You can also swap the cheddar for mozzarella or an Italian blend for a more lasagna-like vibe. For extra vegetables, scatter 1 to 1 1/2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables or peas over the macaroni before you pour on the sauce mixture; they’ll cook along with everything else.
If your slow cooker tends to run hot and the pasta cooks too quickly, check at the early end of the time range and add an extra splash of broth if it looks dry. Leftovers reheat well with a spoonful of water or broth stirred in to loosen the sauce before warming on the stovetop or in the microwave.