Slow Cooker Italian Noodles
Slow Cooker Italian Noodles is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender noodles with a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without the hassle of stovetop cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
– 8 oz (225g) egg noodles or spaghetti
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup beef broth or water
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked noodles directly into the slow cooker. Stir to coat them in the sauce.
6. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then cover for 5 minutes to melt.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
– If using spaghetti, break it in half before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent clumping.
– Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
– For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
– Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Find it online: https://www.cookflash.com/slow-cooker-italian-noodles/