There’s something truly magical about a slow-cooked meal, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is no exception. As the beef simmers away, it becomes meltingly tender, soaking up all the flavors of garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. The result is a rich, savory base that is further elevated with the addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This combination creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that perfectly coats your pasta.
This dish is a true comfort food—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It practically cooks itself in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The beef becomes so tender it practically falls apart, and the pasta soaks up the decadent sauce for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Let’s dive into this recipe that’s all about ease, flavor, and that comforting, home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s take a look at everything you’ll need to make this comforting dish:
1.5 pounds beef stew meat (cubed) – This hearty cut of beef is perfect for slow cooking. It becomes tender and flavorful as it simmers away in the slow cooker.
1 onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the heart of the sauce, giving it that savory depth of flavor.
1 cup beef broth – This is the base for your sauce, adding richness and a savory flavor.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained – The tomatoes bring a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the beef and cream.
1 cup heavy cream – This is the key ingredient for creating that luscious, creamy sauce that coats everything so beautifully.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The cheese adds saltiness and that irresistible umami flavor.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – Tomato paste adds an extra depth of tomato flavor, making the sauce even richer.
1 teaspoon dried basil – A fragrant herb that pairs perfectly with garlic and beef.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – This classic herb gives the dish a bit of a Mediterranean flair.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a touch of earthiness and complexity to the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Seasonings that enhance all the other flavors and help bring the dish together.
8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice) – Choose your favorite pasta shape, something sturdy that will hold up well in the creamy sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional) – A fresh, vibrant touch to finish off the dish.
Instructions
Now that we’ve got our
Ingredients
ready, it’s time to get cooking! This recipe is incredibly simple, and the slow cooker does most of the work. Follow these easy steps for a rich, comforting meal:
1. Prepare the Beef
Season the beef stew meat generously with salt and pepper. Place the seasoned beef into the slow cooker. This is the start of your flavorful base, so don’t skip this step!
2. Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix everything together until well combined. As the beef cooks, all these
Ingredients
will come together to form a savory, aromatic sauce.
3. Cook the Beef
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 7-8 hours, or until the beef is so tender that it practically falls apart when you shred it with a fork. This slow cooking process really allows the flavors to develop and infuse into the beef.
4. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well, and let it cook for the remaining time to allow the sauce to thicken and become wonderfully creamy.
5. Cook the Pasta
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package
Instructions
until it’s al dente. Be sure not to overcook it since it will continue to absorb some of the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
6. Combine Pasta and Beef
Once the beef is tender and the sauce is creamy, add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to coat the pasta in the rich, creamy beef mixture. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed to taste.
7. Serve
Ladle the creamy beef pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and a little extra freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy every creamy, tender bite!
Notes
Beef Tenderness: Be sure to cut the beef into uniform cubes for even cooking and tenderness. Trim any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
Creaminess: If you want an even richer sauce, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with sour cream or cream cheese. These alternatives will add extra richness and a slight tang.
Pasta Variations: Feel free to use any type of pasta you like. While penne and rigatoni work well in this dish, you can also try fusilli, rotini, or any other pasta shape that holds up well to a creamy sauce.
Vegetable Add-ins: You can easily add extra vegetables to this dish for more flavor and
Nutrition
. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to the slow cooker. These will add extra texture and make the dish even heartier.
Make-Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead, and the flavors will only get better. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Here’s the
Nutrition
breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup) of this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta:
Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 28g
This dish is a great source of protein from the beef, and the creamy sauce provides a satisfying richness that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. While it’s a bit indulgent, it’s the perfect comfort food when you’re looking to treat yourself.
Additional Information
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Credits to the original creator. 🙌
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