A homemade pasta dinner doesn’t have to involve hours of preparation or a long list of ingredients. This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Tagliatelle Supper brings together ground beef, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta, and mozzarella for a simple meal the whole family can enjoy.

The slow cooker takes care of the beef and tomato sauce while you get on with the rest of your day. When dinner is almost ready, cook the tagliatelle separately, combine everything, and finish with a layer of melted mozzarella.

I like serving this hearty pasta with garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s an easy option for busy weeknights when you want a filling homemade dinner without making several dishes.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Just five ingredients: Everything is easy to find at a regular grocery store.
• Simple preparation: The slow cooker handles most of the cooking.
• A hearty family meal: Ground beef and pasta make a satisfying combination.
• Easy to customize: Use your favorite marinara sauce or substitute another pasta shape.
• Great for leftovers: The beef and tomato sauce can be prepared ahead of time.

 

Recipe Details

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes

I like serving this hearty pasta with garlic bread and a simple green salad. It’s an easy option for busy weeknights when you want a filling homemade dinner without making several dishes.

• Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Cooking Method: Slow Cooker

 

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides a savory, hearty base for the tomato sauce.
• 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite marinara or traditional spaghetti sauce.
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes: Adds extra tomato flavor and texture.
• 1 lb tagliatelle pasta: These wide, flat noodles hold the meat sauce nicely.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the pasta for a creamy finishing touch.

 

How to Make Slow Cooker Tagliatelle Supper

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain off the excess grease before transferring the beef to the slow cooker. Browning the meat first adds flavor and prevents excess fat from collecting in the sauce.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes, including their juices.

Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined and the beef is coated in sauce.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the sauce is hot and the flavors have had time to come together.

3. Cook the Tagliatelle

Near the end of the cooking time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the tagliatelle and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water if needed.

Cooking the pasta separately is important because long cooking in the slow cooker can make tagliatelle overly soft.

 

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained tagliatelle to the slow cooker and gently toss it with the beef and tomato sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a small splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover the slow cooker for about 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

5. Serve

Give the pasta a gentle toss or serve it with the melted cheese on top.

Spoon into individual bowls and serve while warm. A little extra mozzarella or freshly chopped parsley can be added if desired, although neither is necessary.

 

Tips for the Best Results

• Cook the pasta just before serving: This keeps the tagliatelle from becoming mushy.
• Drain the beef thoroughly: Removing excess grease helps keep the tomato sauce from becoming oily.
• Choose a sauce you enjoy: Since the recipe uses only a few ingredients, the flavor of your spaghetti sauce makes a difference.
• Avoid overcooking the cheese: Give the mozzarella just enough time to melt.
• Reserve some pasta water: A little can help loosen the sauce and make it easier to coat the noodles.
• Check your slow cooker: Cooking times can vary depending on the appliance, so use the recommended range as a guide.

 

What to Serve With Tagliatelle Supper

This pasta is filling on its own, so simple side dishes work particularly well.

• Garlic bread: Perfect for serving alongside the tomato and beef sauce.
• Green salad: Lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette add freshness.
• Steamed green beans: An easy vegetable side that balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted broccoli: Adds a little texture and makes the meal more complete.
• Warm dinner rolls: A practical choice for a family-style dinner.

 

Variations and Substitutions

• Use Italian sausage: Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage for a more seasoned sauce. Brown it in a skillet first and drain excess grease.
• Try another pasta shape: Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni can work in place of tagliatelle. Cook according to the package directions before combining with the sauce.
• Add vegetables: Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped zucchini can be added to the tomato sauce for extra variety.
• Leave out the mozzarella: The dish is still delicious without cheese. Simply serve the pasta with the beef and tomato sauce.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put uncooked tagliatelle directly into the slow cooker?

It is possible to cook some types of pasta in a slow cooker, but the liquid and cooking time need to be adjusted carefully. For this recipe, cooking the tagliatelle separately gives you better control over its texture and prevents it from becoming too soft.

Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes. Italian sausage makes a flavorful substitute. Remove it from its casing if necessary, brown it in a skillet, and drain the excess grease before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, linguine, penne, and rigatoni are all suitable alternatives. Follow the cooking instructions on the package and add the drained pasta to the sauce just before serving.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the beef and tomato sauce in advance, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat the sauce thoroughly before adding freshly cooked tagliatelle and mozzarella.

Can I make this recipe without mozzarella?

Yes. The mozzarella is an optional finishing touch. The beef and tomato sauce will still make a flavorful pasta dinner without it.

 

A Simple Pasta Dinner for Busy Evenings

This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Tagliatelle Supper is a practical way to bring a homemade meal to the table without complicated preparation. The slow-cooked beef and tomato sauce pair beautifully with tender pasta, while the melted mozzarella adds a familiar finishing touch.

Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad, and you have a straightforward family dinner made with everyday ingredients. It’s a recipe worth keeping on hand for evenings when simple cooking is exactly what you need.