This creamy slow-cooker beef pasta recipe is the perfect comforting dish for a cozy family meal or a small gathering. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a day of work or errands to the aroma of tender beef mingling with a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is one that’s easy to prepare yet satisfying enough to please everyone around the table.
This slow-cooker pasta is all about comfort, flavor, and ease. With hearty bites of tender beef, a creamy, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a complete meal in a single pot. Plus, using the slow cooker means the meat comes out tender every time. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, which makes it even better for busy days. Let’s get into why this dish is going to be a new family favorite, plus all the steps you need to make it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The sauce is a beautiful blend of cream, beef broth, and seasonings that coats every bite of pasta perfectly.
- Minimal Effort: You can prep everything in just a few minutes, toss it into the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Hearty & Satisfying: This meal is filling, with protein-packed beef and pasta that make it a wonderful comfort food.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this one. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor!
- Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, so making a large batch is always a good idea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s go over each ingredient and what it brings to this delicious slow-cooker beef pasta.
- Beef Stew Meat (1 lb): Opt for stew meat, as it cooks down beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and flavorful. You can find this pre-cut at most grocery stores.
- Small Onion (diced): Adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, giving it a slightly sweet, savory profile that balances well with the creaminess.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings out a subtle yet rich aroma that perfectly complements the beef.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): This is the key to getting that creamy, rich sauce. It adds thickness and a touch of earthiness.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Adds a depth of beefy flavor to the dish and helps create the right sauce consistency.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds a rich, smooth texture and creaminess to the sauce that feels luxurious in every bite.
- Dried Basil & Oregano (1 tsp each): These herbs give the dish a hint of Italian flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that bring out all the flavors in this dish.
- Pasta (8 oz, preferably penne): Use a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni that can hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, adding a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and pasta.
- Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Making this dish is as easy as layering the ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic. Here’s how you do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Set these aside. If your beef isn’t pre-cut, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the beef, onions, and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layering helps the flavors infuse better as they cook.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Whisk until smooth and well-combined. The soup and cream create a luxurious texture, while the beef broth adds a layer of richness.
- Pour Over Meat: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure the beef and onions are coated in the sauce.
- Season and Cook: Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper on top to season. Cover your slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth soft and infusing all the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: About 15-20 minutes before the beef is done, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it—keeping a bit of starch will help it hold onto the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the beef is ready and tender, add the cooked pasta directly to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir it in, allowing it to melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy finish.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a fresh, bright touch that complements the richness of the dish.
Helpful Tips
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta when boiling it initially. Since it will sit in the hot sauce for a few minutes, cooking it al dente helps it stay firm.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper as you go, but be careful not to overdo it—cream of mushroom soup and beef broth can be salty on their own.
- Variations: Feel free to add some fresh or dried thyme for a more herbaceous flavor, or toss in some fresh mushrooms for a deeper umami flavor.
- Make it Lighter: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you’d like a slightly lighter version.
Storage Instructions
This creamy slow-cooker beef pasta is excellent as leftovers and even improves with time. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened.
- Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, and when ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Freezing may cause the sauce to separate slightly; adding a bit more cream during reheating helps restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli all work well in this recipe, as they hold up to the creamy sauce. If you prefer long pasta, try it with fettuccine or linguine, although they may need to be stirred in gently.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish? A: Yes! Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas are great additions. Add veggies at the beginning so they cook alongside the beef.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, just swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is also gluten-free, as some varieties contain wheat.
Q: How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy? A: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente before adding it to the slow cooker. It will continue to cook slightly as it sits in the hot sauce, so starting with al dente pasta helps it maintain the perfect texture.
Related Recipes
If you liked this recipe, you might also enjoy these other comfort-food classics:
Conclusion
This creamy slow-cooker beef pasta is a true comfort food that requires little hands-on time but delivers big on flavor. With its tender beef, creamy sauce, and cheesy finish, it’s hard to find someone who wouldn’t fall in love with this dish. Make it on a weekend to enjoy throughout the week or double the recipe for a cozy family dinner that everyone will rave about!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Description
This creamy slow-cooker beef pasta recipe is the perfect comforting dish for a cozy family meal or a small gathering. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a day of work or errands to the aroma of tender beef mingling with a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe is one that’s easy to prepare yet satisfying enough to please everyone around the table.
This slow-cooker pasta is all about comfort, flavor, and ease. With hearty bites of tender beef, a creamy, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a complete meal in a single pot. Plus, using the slow cooker means the meat comes out tender every time. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, which makes it even better for busy days. Let’s get into why this dish is going to be a new family favorite, plus all the steps you need to make it!
Ingredients
Let’s go over each ingredient and what it brings to this delicious slow-cooker beef pasta.
- Beef Stew Meat (1 lb): Opt for stew meat, as it cooks down beautifully in the slow cooker, becoming tender and flavorful. You can find this pre-cut at most grocery stores.
- Small Onion (diced): Adds a depth of flavor to the sauce, giving it a slightly sweet, savory profile that balances well with the creaminess.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings out a subtle yet rich aroma that perfectly complements the beef.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5 oz can): This is the key to getting that creamy, rich sauce. It adds thickness and a touch of earthiness.
- Beef Broth (1 cup): Adds a depth of beefy flavor to the dish and helps create the right sauce consistency.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Adds a rich, smooth texture and creaminess to the sauce that feels luxurious in every bite.
- Dried Basil & Oregano (1 tsp each): These herbs give the dish a hint of Italian flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that bring out all the flavors in this dish.
- Pasta (8 oz, preferably penne): Use a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni that can hold up well in the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup): Melts into the sauce, adding a rich, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and pasta.
- Fresh Parsley (optional for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Set these aside. If your beef isn’t pre-cut, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the beef, onions, and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layering helps the flavors infuse better as they cook.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Whisk until smooth and well-combined. The soup and cream create a luxurious texture, while the beef broth adds a layer of richness.
- Pour Over Meat: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure the beef and onions are coated in the sauce.
- Season and Cook: Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper on top to season. Cover your slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef, making it melt-in-your-mouth soft and infusing all the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta Separately: About 15-20 minutes before the beef is done, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it—keeping a bit of starch will help it hold onto the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the beef is ready and tender, add the cooked pasta directly to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir it in, allowing it to melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy finish.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a fresh, bright touch that complements the richness of the dish.