In the heart of the Midwest, comfort food is about “warmth, simplicity, and tradition.” The Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef and Cheese Pasta captures that spirit—hearty, easy, and perfect for family dinners.

The recipe needs only five basics: ground beef, marinara sauce, pasta, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. It’s designed for busy nights but still delivers a homemade, satisfying meal.

To make it, “brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat.” Add beef, marinara, uncooked pasta, and seasoning to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–5 hours until tender, then “top the dish with shredded mozzarella” about 30 minutes before serving. The recipe serves six and brings a “nostalgic, cozy flavor” tied to family memories.

Customization is simple. Add spice with “red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños,” swap mozzarella for cheddar or Italian blend, or toss in vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

For a creamier touch, stir in cream cheese or sour cream before serving. However it’s prepared, this dish offers “a warm, familiar taste of home that’s both easy to make and hard to resist.”