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.