Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta combines tender, slow-cooked beef in a luscious garlic cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. This easy comfort food is ideal for busy days, offering rich flavors and minimal prep time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender beef and a rich, flavorful sauce.
It’s versatile—use your favorite type of pasta or adjust the seasonings to suit your tastes.
Perfect for meal prep, it stores and reheats beautifully.
Comfort food that feels indulgent but is easy to make.
The creamy garlic sauce is irresistible, with just a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
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)
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes on all sides until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and pour this mixture into the slow cooker.
Stir Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and add it to the slow cooker. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours
Servings: 6
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy sauce.
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh basil or oregano for a brighter flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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FAQs
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even ground beef for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pastas like penne or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you like.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the recipe as directed, except for adding the pasta. Store the sauce and cooked pasta separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender beef, a luscious garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. With its rich flavors and hands-off preparation, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to simplify dinner without compromising on taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
- Total Time: 8 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Rich, tender beef is slow-cooked in a creamy garlic sauce and paired with perfectly cooked pasta for a cozy, satisfying meal. This recipe combines comfort food with the convenience of a slow cooker, making it a favorite for busy days and hearty appetites.
Ingredients
1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
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)
12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear beef cubes until browned. Transfer to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add beef broth, deglazing the pan, and pour into the slow cooker.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until beef is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese 30 minutes before serving. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the slow cooker, mixing to coat with sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
Customize the recipe with alternative proteins, spices, or low-carb pasta substitutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
