This slow cooker tomato beef and macaroni is the kind of easy, budget-friendly supper that saves a busy weeknight. Using condensed tomato soup gives the dish a cozy old-fashioned flavor and a creamy tomato base without a long ingredient list, and the slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day. It is especially handy for families because the flavors are simple, familiar, and kid-friendly.
Serve this hearty pasta bowl with buttered green beans, a simple garden salad, or steamed broccoli for some color on the plate. Warm garlic toast or a pan of cornbread also goes really well for soaking up the extra tomato sauce, and a little shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top makes it feel extra special at the table.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Tomato Beef and Macaroni
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
Directions
1. Add the ground beef to the slow cooker insert, breaking it up slightly with a spoon. Pour the condensed tomato soup, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth over the top.
2. Stir everything together well so the beef is coated and the tomato soup blends into the liquid. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the beef is fully cooked.
3. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once or twice if needed, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Give the mixture a final stir and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Variations & Tips
Cheesy version: Stir in 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar at the end for a creamier, extra kid-friendly dinner. Let it melt for a minute or two before serving so the sauce stays smooth.
Extra veggie version: For a little more nutrition, stir in a cup of frozen corn or finely diced bell pepper during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This is a nice way to add color without changing the familiar flavor too much.
Pasta tip: Keep an eye on the macaroni near the end since slow cookers can vary quite a bit. If the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add a splash of extra broth.
Make-ahead tip: If mornings are rushed, place the ground beef, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, and broth in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, set the insert in the cooker and start it up, then add the macaroni near the end.
Picky eater tip: If your family prefers a smoother sauce, use petite diced tomatoes or crush the tomatoes a bit with a spoon before cooking. That little change can make this dinner much more appealing for children who notice texture right away.
