Description
Hearty slow cooker Italian noodles deliver comforting Mediterranean magic straight to dinner tables. Creamy pasta layers blend perfectly with rich herbs and melted cheese, ensuring delightful moments you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage
Noodles and Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) egg noodles or spaghetti
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base:
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown ground beef or sausage with onions in a skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any excess fat.
- Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the slow cooker ceramic insert.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, creating a rich liquid base for the dish.
- Incorporate dried herbs including basil, oregano, and thyme, then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for depth of flavor.
- Set slow cooker to LOW and allow the sauce to simmer and develop flavors for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce uncooked noodles directly into the sauce, gently stirring to ensure complete coating.
- Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent noodles from clumping or sticking to the cooker’s sides.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, then cover and let cheese melt for 5 minutes.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
- Replace traditional noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
- Use turkey sausage or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that still delivers robust Italian-inspired taste.
- Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 434 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 582 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 72 mg