Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Kensington is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for busy days. This recipe takes minimal effort and provides a hearty meal for the whole family. With just four main ingredients, it makes preparing dinner easy and enjoyable.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only quick and straightforward, but it also delivers fantastic flavor. The combination of beef, pasta, and cheese makes a comforting dish that everyone will love. Additionally, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
How to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Kensington
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 8 ounces thick pasta (such as ziti, rigatoni, or penne), cooked until just barely tender
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon until there’s no pink left. Drain any excess fat.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for about 2 minutes less than the package suggests, until just barely tender. Drain the pasta once done.
- In your slow cooker, mix the browned beef, pasta sauce, drained pasta, and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot directly from the slow cooker.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Kensington
You can serve the pasta directly from the slow cooker. It’s great on its own or accompanied by a good side salad and some garlic bread. Feel free to top each serving with extra cheese or fresh herbs for additional flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Kensington
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for about 2 months. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Kensington
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker; it should be just barely tender.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to ground beef.
- Feel free to mix in some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Variation
You can adapt this recipe in many ways. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or skip the meat entirely and add your favorite vegetables. This way, you can customize the dish to fit different diets.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of thick pasta, but just adjust the cooking times according to the package instructions so it doesn’t overcook.Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook it.What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish in an oven-safe pot. Bake it covered in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Pasta Kensington
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon until there’s no pink left. Drain any excess fat.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for about 2 minutes less than the package suggests until just barely tender. Drain the pasta once done.
- In your slow cooker, mix the browned beef, pasta sauce, drained pasta, and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until the mixture is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella over the top. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot directly from the slow cooker.
