When you need a filling, comforting meal without spending a lot of money, simple pasta
are always a great solution. This Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Radiatori Bake is designed to be affordable, easy, and incredibly satisfying.
Radiatori pasta, with its ridged shape, is perfect for holding onto rich sauces and melted cheese. As it cooks slowly, it absorbs all the flavors from the sauce and meat, turning into a warm, hearty casserole that tastes like it came straight from the oven.
Using a slow cooker makes this dish even more convenient. Just layer the ingredients, let it cook, and come back to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that the whole family will love.
If you’re looking for easy crockpot dinners, budget-friendly meals, or simple comfort food recipes, this dish is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 5 simple ingredients
- Budget-friendly and filling
- Easy slow cooker pasta bake
- Cheesy, rich, and comforting
- Perfect for family dinners
Ingredients
- 12 oz radiatori pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add the uncooked radiatori pasta to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef and pasta sauce.
- Pour in the water or broth and mix well.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking.
- Cover again and allow the cheese to melt before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Add a splash of milk or cream for a richer sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.