This 5-ingredient slow cooker radiatori is the kind of practical dinner busy households appreciate: minimal prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a comforting payoff at the end of the day. Using dry radiatori pasta right in the slow cooker keeps the method simple, while the pasta’s ridged shape is especially good at catching sauce and melted cheese. It is an easy, family-style meal with the cozy feel of a baked pasta, but without the need to juggle multiple pots.
Serve this with a crisp green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans to balance the richness. A piece of garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a natural fit for soaking up extra sauce, and if you want to round it out for adults, a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon works nicely alongside.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Parents' Day Radiatori
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces dry radiatori pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker insert if desired for easier cleanup, then add the dry radiatori pasta in an even layer across the bottom.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces. Drain off excess fat.
3. Spoon the cooked beef over the pasta, pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, and stir gently so the pasta is mostly submerged and evenly coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once or twice if your slow cooker runs hot, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Use ground turkey: Ground turkey works well in place of beef if you want a slightly lighter version. Because turkey is leaner, the sauce may taste best with a small extra pinch of salt if needed before serving.
Watch the liquid level: Slow cookers vary quite a bit, and pasta can go from perfect to soft if left too long. Start checking around the 2-hour mark and give the mixture a stir if the edges are cooking faster than the center.
Swap the cheese: Shredded Italian blend, provolone, or part-skim mozzarella all melt nicely here. If you want a more pronounced flavor, stir in a little grated Parmesan at the end, even though that takes it beyond the five-ingredient framework.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use a hearty marinara with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for more depth, but do so only if you do not mind increasing the ingredient count.