Garlic Beef Pasta in the Slow Cooker Recipe
This Delicious Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a flavorful garlic and herb broth, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and melted cheese for a creamy, hearty meal. Ideal for busy days, this dish marries rich beef flavors with Italian seasonings, making it a satisfying family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high (slow cooker) + 20 minutes pasta cooking
- Total Time: Approximately 7 hours (including pasta cooking time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Seasonings
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast or stew meat cut into chunks
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Extras
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta of your choice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella
Garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: If desired, brown the beef chunks in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. This optional step adds extra depth and flavor to the beef.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the beef chunks into the slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir gently to evenly coat all meat pieces with the seasonings.
- Add Broth and Tomato Paste: Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker and stir in the tomato paste. This mixture forms a savory base for the sauce that will infuse the beef with flavor as it cooks.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Cook the Pasta: About 20 minutes before the beef finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Once the beef is done and tender, shred the meat directly in the slow cooker or leave as chunks if preferred. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir thoroughly to combine with the beef and sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella until it melts, creating a creamy texture that binds the dish together.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve the pasta warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Browning the beef before slow cooking is optional but intensifies the flavor.
- Use pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for better sauce adherence.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on your beef broth’s saltiness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a richer dish, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream when adding the cheese.
Keywords: garlic beef pasta, slow cooker beef recipe, easy beef pasta, Italian slow cooker recipes, hearty beef meals
