Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe

Try Our Comforting Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe Today

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker beef pasta that promises rich, hearty flavors for every busy home cook.

Tender beef slowly simmers in a velvety sauce, creating a meal that speaks directly to your soul.

The creamy texture melts effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Each bite delivers a symphony of robust seasonings and smooth, luxurious sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Minimal prep and maximum flavor make this recipe a weeknight warrior’s dream come true.

Why Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero

  • Minimal Prep Delight: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, making meal preparation incredibly easy and stress-free.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into a hearty dish that satisfies even the pickiest eaters with its rich, comforting flavors.
  • One-Pot Dish: Simplifies cooking by using a single appliance for the entire meal, reducing cleanup and making this recipe perfect for busy families or weeknight dinners.
  • Adaptable and Flexible: Easily customizable with optional garnishes like parsley, potential vegetable additions, or different cheese variations to suit personal taste preferences.

What Goes Into Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Main Proteins:
  • Beef Stew Meat: Tender chunks perfect for slow cooking and soaking up delicious flavors.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor boosters that create a rich base for the dish.
  • Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Herbs that add an Italian-inspired depth to the recipe.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
Sauce and Dairy Components:
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds richness and complexity.
  • Beef Broth: Liquid that helps tenderize the meat and build depth of flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious ingredient that makes the sauce extra smooth.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that brings a delightful finish.
  • Pasta: Classic pasta that absorbs all the wonderful sauce.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for a pop of color and brightness.

Easy Steps for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Easy Steps for Perfect Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown Beef And Aromatics

Grab a skillet and sear beef stew meat until golden brown.

Transfer meat to slow cooker.

In same skillet, sauté:
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Add these fragrant ingredients to the slow cooker with the browned beef.

Step 2: Create Luxurious Sauce

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Beef broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Worcestershire sauce

Pour the silky sauce over the meat mixture and stir gently.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours.

The beef will become incredibly tender and infused with deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta

When beef is almost done, boil pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine And Finish

Fold cooked pasta into the slow cooker.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Additional black pepper

Stir everything together and let sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Scoop into warm bowls.

Top with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and steamy.

Pro Tips for Creamy Beef Pasta in the Crockpot

  • Choose chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Cook pasta separately and add just before serving to maintain perfect texture and avoid overcooking.
  • If sauce seems too thick, add small amounts of beef broth to reach desired creaminess.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Romano or Pecorino for unique flavor profiles.
  • Replace dried herbs with fresh basil and oregano for brighter, more vibrant taste when available.

How to Keep and Reheat This Comforting Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and beef mixture together. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What to Eat With Your Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

  • Elevate Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Pairings
  • Uncork Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah perfectly complements the rich, creamy beef dish with its full-bodied flavor and tannic structure.
  • Craft Fresh Side Salad: Prepare crisp mixed greens with light vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and add refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.
  • Create Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with herbed butter to soak up extra sauce and provide delightful crunch alongside the tender beef pasta.
  • Select Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs to introduce vibrant colors and nutritional balance to the meal.

Clever Ways to Vary This Beefy Pasta Dish

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich beef flavor.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace beef with hearty mushrooms like portobello or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef stew meat with chuck roast, sirloin, or even ground beef for a similar hearty result.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the cream of mushroom soup and pasta typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soup and pasta alternatives.

  • Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before, store them in the slow cooker insert, and start cooking in the morning.

  • How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Add the pasta only in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to maintain its texture and prevent overcooking.

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Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy slow cooker beef pasta, blending rich Italian flavors with effortless home cooking. Hearty beef melts into velvety sauce, creating a satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and delivers delicious simplicity.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats and Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dairy:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Liquids and Canned Goods:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) pasta (penne or your favorite shape)

Seasonings:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Transfer beef stew meat, diced onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker, creating a flavor-rich base for the dish.
  2. Whisk cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
  3. Pour the herbed sauce over the meat mixture, gently stirring to ensure every piece is evenly coated and seasoned.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours, allowing the beef to become incredibly tender and absorb all the aromatic flavors.
  5. When meat is nearly finished, prepare pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
  6. Drain pasta thoroughly and introduce it directly into the slow cooker with the succulent beef mixture.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the dish, folding gently to distribute seasonings and create a creamy consistency.
  8. Allow the pasta to simmer with the beef for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, cohesive flavor profile.
  9. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch, then serve the hearty pasta directly from the slow cooker while piping hot.

Notes

  • Tenderize beef by selecting chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for maximum flavor and softness.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty during long cooking.
  • Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking to boost nutrition and introduce more depth to the meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours and 10-15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 660
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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