Why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with easy preparation. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness truly make it a crowd-pleaser. For another creamy option, try this creamy slow cooker chicken recipe.
How to make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 150 g / 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp (30 g) tomato paste
- 240 ml (1 cup) beef or chicken broth
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) evaporated milk
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 150 g (1 1/2 cups) shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan
- 340 g (12 oz) short pasta (e.g., penne)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 4 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled; chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Brown the meat and aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; sauté until browned and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker. You may also find Effortless Slow Cooker Bbq useful.
Build the sauce base: Add tomato paste, broth, evaporated milk, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook on Low for 2 hours. You may also find Million Dollar Lasagna Incredible useful.
Add cream cheese and melting cheeses: Cut cream cheese into cubes and stir into the hot sauce until mostly melted, about 5–8 minutes. Add shredded cheese and Parmesan; stir gently until incorporated.
Add the pasta: Stir in dry pasta and extra broth or water if needed; cover and cook on Low for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and stir in.
Finish and rest: Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in crumbled bacon or parsley if desired. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
For a variation, you may enjoy a cheesy twist by incorporating ingredients from this irresistible slow cooker cheesy recipe.
How to serve Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
Serve this pasta dish warm, garnished with chopped parsley or extra crumbled bacon on top for added texture. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
How to store Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but best results occur when consumed fresh.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
- Choose your pasta wisely: Short pasta like penne or fusilli works best as it holds the sauce nicely.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to include veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Adjust your seasonings: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite spices or herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
If you want to try another amazing slow-cooked dish, consider making slow cooker brisket for a delicious alternative.
Variation
Consider using turkey or plant-based meat substitutes instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this recipe. You can also substitute different types of cheese for a unique flavor experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta you prefer; just adjust cooking times based on the type.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth.
3. What can I use if I don’t have evaporated milk?
You can replace evaporated milk with a mix of regular milk and heavy cream or just use whole milk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta is an easy and comforting meal perfect for any night. If you’re interested in similar recipes, check out the Crock Pot Million Dollar Pasta – The Country Cook or explore another version with Crockpot Million Dollar Pasta – In the Kitchen with Momma Mel. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Slow Cooker Million Dollar Pasta
- Total Time: 160 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Regular
Description
A comforting and cheesy pasta dish made in a slow cooker that’s perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 150 g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 240 ml beef or chicken broth
- 300 ml evaporated milk
- 120 ml heavy cream
- 225 g cream cheese, room temperature
- 150 g shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 60 g grated Parmesan
- 340 g short pasta (e.g., penne)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 4 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled; chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; sauté until browned and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add tomato paste, broth, evaporated milk, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cook on Low for 2 hours.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes and stir into the hot sauce until mostly melted, about 5–8 minutes. Add shredded cheese and Parmesan; stir gently until incorporated.
- Stir in dry pasta and extra broth or water if needed; cover and cook on Low for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in crumbled bacon or parsley if desired. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based options and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Written by Chef Anna
I'm Anna - a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and the voice behind Chef Johns Gourmet. After a decade in professional kitchens, I now spend my mornings testing recipes and my afternoons writing them down so you can make them perfectly in your own kitchen. Every one of the 1,100+ recipes on this site has been personally cooked, tasted, and refined. I write like I'm standing next to you, walking you through every step. Simple recipes. Bold flavors. Made for real kitchens.
