If you are craving a comforting, rich, and effortlessly delicious meal, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender, slow-braised beef infused with garlic and Italian herbs, swimming in a luscious cream and Parmesan sauce, all mingling perfectly with al dente pasta. This dish takes simple ingredients and turns them into a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors with minimal fuss, making it a true kitchen winner you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe plays an important role, balancing taste and texture to create that perfect creamy, hearty dish. These pantry and fridge staples ensure both ease and flavor without any complicated steps.
- Beef stew meat: Cubed for tenderness and rich, hearty flavor after slow cooking.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the beef perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to round out the seasoning.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the beef to lock in juices and develop a savory crust.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with that unmistakable warm, aromatic bite.
- Beef broth: Provides the savory base and moisture needed for tender beef and a flavorful sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature silky, creamy texture of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty richness that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Combines herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to give the dish a classic Italian flair.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a tiny kick of heat without overpowering the creaminess.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce well and provide the perfect chewy bite.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma as garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cubed beef stew meat until each side develops a lovely golden-brown crust. This step is key to locking in the beef’s juices and adding layers of flavor to your dish. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds — just enough to smell its wonderfully fragrant aroma without letting it burn. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan bottom. Pour this mixture straight into the slow cooker to infuse the dish with deep savory notes.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Slow Cook
Sprinkle Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat) over the beef and garlic broth. Give everything a gentle stir, then set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking breaks down the beef, making it meltingly tender and full of flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before the cooking ends, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese dissolves into the sauce, creating that signature creamy consistency that makes this recipe so special.
Step 5: Cook Pasta and Combine
While the beef simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well, then fold the pasta into the slow cooker mixture. Toss gently to coat every piece in the velvety sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Dish out the creamy garlic beef pasta onto plates or bowls and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet effective garnish that adds a burst of green color and a subtle, herbaceous note that balances the rich creaminess. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added indulgence and texture.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing salads, like a tangy arugula or classic Caesar salad, which provide a light contrast to the richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also make fantastic sides to round out the meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bell peppers for a charming presentation. You can also offer freshly toasted garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up every last bit of that delectable sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. This recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the creamy beef sauce separately from the pasta for best results. Store the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to preserve the creamy texture and avoid curdling.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While stew meat is ideal for tenderness in slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes for a similar result. Just ensure it has enough marbling to stay juicy and flavorful.
Is it necessary to sear the beef first?
Searing the beef adds a fantastic depth of flavor through caramelization, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. However, the final dish might lack some of the rich browned notes.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne and rotini are great because their shapes trap the creamy sauce well. You can experiment with rigatoni or fusilli too. Avoid delicate pasta shapes that may get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for the Parmesan flavor.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that gently lingers without overwhelming the creaminess. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is honestly a game-changer whenever you want a hearty, comforting meal without standing over the stove for hours. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy the wonderful aroma building throughout your home. I promise this dish will become a beloved favorite, offering that perfect blend of creamy indulgence and tender, flavorful beef every single time.
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Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker low) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (slow cooker high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender beef stew meat cooked low and slow with garlic, beef broth, and Italian seasonings, finished with a creamy Parmesan sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ideal meal for a busy day, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while developing rich flavors.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasonings
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Flavorings
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the cubed beef stew meat until browned on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds depth. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Add the beef broth to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
- Add Seasonings and Slow Cook: Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Finish the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce finishes, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef pasta onto plates or into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- To ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy, add it to the slow cooker only at the end.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce though it will be less rich.
- If you want to prep ahead, brown the beef and assemble everything except pasta, then refrigerate. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
- Beef broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a milder flavor, but the beef broth adds more depth.
