If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines tender, flavorful beef with a rich, creamy garlic sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, then you’re going to absolutely love this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest, made effortlessly in your slow cooker for those cozy days when dinner needs to be both easy and utterly delicious. This recipe balances deep, meaty flavors with luscious cream and a hit of garlic, creating a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component has a purpose, from building layers of flavor like garlic and Italian seasoning to achieving the perfect sauce texture with heavy cream and Parmesan.
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed: The hearty foundation that becomes tender and flavorful as it slow-cooks.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the beef, it locks in juices and adds depth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the entire dish with that crave-worthy aromatic punch.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates a flavorful base for cooking the beef and melding ingredients together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings creaminess and richness to the sauce, making every bite buttery smooth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, salty dimension that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that complement both beef and garlic flavors effortlessly.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that wakes up the palette if you desire a little spice.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well): These shapes hold the sauce nicely and make each bite deliciously coated.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful touch to brighten the dish before serving.
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 and searing the beef cubes until they develop a rich brown crust. This is where the magic begins, as browning locks in savory flavors and adds complexity. Once seared, transfer the beef to your slow cooker to lay the foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
Using the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and sauté briefly—just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. These caramelized pieces pack serious flavor, so don’t skip this step! Pour the garlic-infused broth into the slow cooker with the beef.
Step 3: Season and Slow Cook
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you’re opting for a touch of heat. Give everything a good stir, then set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, high for 3 to 4 hours works too. The beef will turn meltingly tender, soaking up all the luscious flavors.
Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the broth into a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every piece of tender beef. Keep stirring until the cheese fully melts and the sauce thickens into that perfect, silky consistency.
Step 5: Cook and Combine Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then add the pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir to coat the noodles in the creamy beef sauce so every forkful is bursting with flavor and creamy goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve this comfort classic hot and enjoy the smiles it will bring!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a staple garnish here, adding a lovely green contrast to the creamy sauce and a subtle herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for guests who love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so I recommend pairing it with something light and crisp like a fresh green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also makes an excellent companion to sop up any extra sauce, making every bite extra decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve everything straight from the slow cooker in a rustic bowl or pot. For an elegant dinner, plate individual portions with a drizzle of extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley on top. Adding a colorful side of cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can brighten the plate visually as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken slightly, but a quick stir after reheating will bring back its creaminess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just portion into freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick after chilling. This will help restore that velvety texture you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat works best for tenderness and flavor, you could also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just be sure to adjust slow cooking times if your pieces vary in size.
What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their ridges hold onto the creamy sauce nicely. However, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to keep the creamy and cheesy flavors while accommodating dairy restrictions.
Can I skip searing the beef?
Technically yes, but searing adds a depth of flavor and a wonderful caramelization that enriches the entire dish. It’s worth the extra step if you have time!
How spicy is the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe?
The recipe is mild by default, as the red pepper flakes are optional. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less, or omitting entirely.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for feeding a family or impressing friends with minimal fuss. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food staple!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on slow cooker setting)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy days. Tender beef stew meat is seared and then slow-cooked with savory garlic, beef broth, and Italian seasonings. Finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this comforting pasta recipe delivers creamy, flavorful results with minimal hands-on time, ideal for an effortless family meal.
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
Slow Cooker Sauce
- 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 recommended)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper, then brown the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
- Add Seasonings and Slow Cook: Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Add Cream and Cheese: 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.
- Cook Pasta: While the cream and cheese incorporate, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy garlic beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the sauce well, but any short pasta will work.
- Make sure to brown the beef properly for enhanced flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness once mixed with the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
