Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 cup diced onion (about half a large onion)

Salt, to taste

Ground black pepper, to taste

8 ounces softened cream cheese

½ cup sour cream

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)

1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce (48 ounces total)

1 (24-ounce) jar of water

16 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta

2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, then add the diced onion and cook for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to create a creamy cheese mixture.

Step 3: Lightly spray the insert of a 6 to 8 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of one jar of pasta sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 4: Layer half of the uncooked cavatappi pasta over the pasta sauce. Spread the remaining half of the first jar of pasta sauce on top of the pasta, then pour half of the jar of water over the sauce.

Step 5: Add half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the water and sauce layers.

Step 6: Spoon dollops of the creamy cheese mixture over the ground beef, using it all up.

Step 7: Add the remaining half of the uncooked pasta over the cheese mixture, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture.

Step 8: Pour the second jar of pasta sauce on top of the beef, then add the remaining half of the water. Avoid stirring.

Step 9: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking.

Step 10: Stir the pasta gently to combine, then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top. Cover again and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

Use a combination of Italian sausage and ground beef for extra flavor.

Substitute cavatappi with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne if preferred.

Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added veggies.

For a spicier kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pasta sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the ground beef before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and browns properly. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven texture and longer cooking times.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make a similar dish on the stovetop by layering and cooking in a large pot with a lid over low heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender, adjusting cooking time as needed.