06/04/2026
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Manβs Radiatori Bake That Feeds a Crowd
This Slow Cooker Poor Manβs Radiatori Bake is the ultimate budget-friendly comfort food that tastes like a warm homemade hug in every bite. Packed with tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and loads of cheesy goodness, this simple recipe transforms a handful of affordable ingredients into a filling family meal that easily feeds a crowd. The radiatori pasta holds onto every bit of rich sauce while the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Itβs perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you need a satisfying dinner without spending a fortune.
Ingredients:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
* 4 cups beef broth
* 1 pound radiatori pasta
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks so you end up with small crumbles throughout the dish. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Carefully drain any excess grease to keep the final dish rich without becoming oily.
2. Transfer the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker. Pour in the pasta sauce and beef broth, then stir everything together until well combined. The broth helps cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker while also creating a rich, flavorful sauce that thickens perfectly as it cooks.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the meat sauce mixture on LOW for about 2 hours. This allows the beef to soak up the tomato flavor while creating a deliciously seasoned base for the pasta.
4. After the sauce has cooked, stir in the uncooked radiatori pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. Radiatori pasta works especially well because its ridges and shape hold onto the sauce beautifully, giving every bite extra flavor.
5. Cover again and continue cooking on LOW for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally if possible. Watch the pasta carefully near the end of cooking time to avoid overcooking. The pasta should become tender while still holding its shape.
6. Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the lid back on the slow cooker and let the cheese melt for about 10 minutes until hot, gooey, and delicious.
7. Spoon the cheesy radiatori bake onto plates or into bowls while hot. The rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese create the perfect comforting combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
8. Serve with garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for an easy complete meal. This recipe is also perfect for leftovers because the flavors become even richer the next day.