Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and satisfying pasta bake to bring comfort to the dinner table. This Slow Cooker Mince Pasta Bake is the ultimate fuss-free recipe, allowing you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the minced beef, tomato sauce, and cheese blend together into a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort – Just brown the mince, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work.
- Incredibly flavorful – The slow cooking process helps intensify the flavors of the sauce and meat.
- Versatile – Easily customize with different meats, vegetables, or cheeses.
- Family-friendly – Loved by both kids and adults!
- One-pot convenience – Fewer dishes to clean up at the end!
Ingredients
For the Mince Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) minced beef or turkey
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or passata)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (350g) uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 1½ cups water
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mince Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
- Add the minced beef (or turkey) and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
- Stir in oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and broth.
- Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker Pasta Bake
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Pour half of the uncooked pasta into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer half of the mince sauce over the pasta.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce.
- Pour 1½ cups water over the pasta mixture, ensuring the pasta is fully covered.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1½-2 hours, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
- Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese over the top.
- Cover and let cook for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients.
- Swap minced beef for ground turkey or plant-based mince for a healthier alternative.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
No, uncooked pasta is best as it absorbs the sauce while cooking, giving it more flavor.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Mince Pasta Bake?
Yes! Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the minced meat for plant-based mince or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I prevent my pasta from overcooking?
Check your pasta at the 3-hour mark when cooking on low, and adjust the time accordingly.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Mince Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of ease, taste, and comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers rich flavors, melty cheese, and hearty pasta all in one pot. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this slow cooker recipe will quickly become a staple in your home. Try it today and enjoy a stress-free, homemade pasta bake! 🍝
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Slow Cooker Mince Pasta Bake – Easy, Cheesy & Flavorful Comfort Food
Ingredients
For the Mince Sauce:
1 lb (450g) minced beef or turkey
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or passata)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
For the Pasta:
12 oz (350g) uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
1½ cups water
For the Cheese Topping:
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mince Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil.
Add the minced beef (or turkey) and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Stir in oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and broth.
Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Slow Cooker Pasta Bake
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
Pour half of the uncooked pasta into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer half of the mince sauce over the pasta.
Repeat with the remaining pasta and sauce.
Pour 1½ cups water over the pasta mixture, ensuring the pasta is fully covered.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1½-2 hours, until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheese over the top.
Cover and let cook for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.