Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe For Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand effortless yet delectable solutions, and this slow cooker creamy garlic beef pasta strikes culinary gold.

Tender beef melts into a rich, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.

Garlic infuses deep, robust flavors throughout the entire dish, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum satisfaction without hours of preparation.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming basic components into something truly spectacular.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this recipe a weeknight warrior’s dream.

You’ll be amazed how such straightforward cooking can produce such an incredible dinner that everyone will devour.

What Makes Garlic Beef Pasta in the Crockpot So Cozy

• Comfort Food Champion: Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender beef delivers a hearty and satisfying dinner that wraps you in pure culinary comfort.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or when you need a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, classic flavors.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious, stress-free meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta

• Beef Stew Meat: Tender chunks perfect for slow cooking.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor enhancer for the beef.

• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and tangy cheese for extra depth.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor.

• Beef Broth: Savory liquid that helps tenderize the meat.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Herbs that add classic Italian herbs.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor.

• Onion: Sweet and soft base for the meat.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green garnish.

• Pasta: Comforting base that soaks up the delicious sauce.

Easy Steps for Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until golden brown.

This step helps lock in rich flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer Aromatic Ingredients

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms (optional)

These ingredients will infuse the meat with deep, savory flavors during cooking.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Worcestershire sauce

Whisk all ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat.

Cook for 6-8 hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

The long, slow cooking process allows flavors to develop and meat to become melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or rotini.

Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Gently stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker.

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to ensure pasta is completely coated with the creamy sauce.

Let everything simmer together for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy beef pasta into serving bowls.

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty meal.

Helpful Tips for This Beef and Garlic Pasta Dish

• Choose chuck roast, round steak, or sirloin for tender, flavorful beef that melts in your mouth and provides different textures.
• Add extra beef broth if sauce becomes too thick during cooking, or mix cornstarch with cold water to thicken if needed for perfect consistency.
• Slightly undercook pasta before adding to slow cooker to prevent mushiness, as it will continue absorbing liquid and softening during final cooking stage.
• Replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy, rich flavor profile.
• Sear beef before placing in slow cooker to develop deeper, more complex taste by caramelizing meat's exterior and locking in rich, savory notes.

Best Way to Store and Warm Up This Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the beef pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if pasta is already soft to prevent mushiness.
• Warm gently in microwave with a splash of extra beef broth, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent drying out and maintain creamy texture.
• Defrost overnight in refrigerator, then warm slowly in skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little cream to restore original sauciness.

Pairing Ideas for Garlic Beef Pasta

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy beef pasta. The wine's tannins will cut through the dish's heaviness and enhance the meaty flavors.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. The salad's acidity will balance the creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with a golden, buttery crust. The bread's crispy texture and garlic notes will perfectly echo the dish's savory profile and help soak up the delicious sauce.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots with olive oil and herbs. These caramelized vegetables will add color, nutrition, and a delightful smoky sweetness to the meal.

Alternate Versions of This Creamy Pasta Dish

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace beef with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a completely meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calorie content and maintain creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for a lactose-free meal.

FAQs

• Is beef stew meat the best cut for this recipe?

Beef stew meat is perfect because it’s tough, affordable, and becomes incredibly tender after slow cooking. The long, low-temperature cooking breaks down connective tissues, making the meat soft and flavorful.

• Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of mushroom?

Cream of chicken or cream of celery work great as substitutes. These alternatives will maintain the creamy texture and add similar depth to the sauce while providing a slightly different flavor profile.

• Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?

While browning isn’t mandatory, searing the beef first can enhance its flavor by creating a delicious caramelized exterior. If you have extra time, quickly browning the meat in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker will boost the dish’s overall taste.

• What if I want to make this dish healthier?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. You can also use low-sodium beef broth and choose a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup to create a lighter version of the recipe.

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Slow cooker creamy garlic beef pasta delivers rich comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Savory beef melts into a silky sauce, promising a simple yet indulgent dinner where you’ll savor each creamy, garlicky bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or any favorite shape)

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Instructions

1. Place beef stew meat in the slow cooker, layering with diced onions and fragrant minced garlic to create a robust flavor foundation.
2. Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, rich beef broth, velvety heavy cream, aromatic dried basil, and earthy dried oregano in a mixing bowl to craft a luxurious sauce.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the meat mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and seasoned.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and let the ingredients simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours, allowing the beef to become supremely tender and develop deep, complex flavors.
5. Approximately 40 minutes before serving, prepare the pasta in a separate pot, cooking until perfectly al dente and then draining thoroughly.
6. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the slow cooker, integrating it with the creamy beef sauce.
7. Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
8. Let the dish rest for an additional 10-15 minutes, enabling the pasta to absorb the sauce and harmonize all ingredients.
9. Plate the creamy garlic beef pasta, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Tenderize meat by choosing chuck roast or stew meat with good marbling for maximum flavor and softness.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by adding it only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect texture.
• Customize for dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta and low-sodium broth for those with specific health requirements.
• Enhance richness by experimenting with different cheese options like sharp cheddar or Romano for varied taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg