If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated with tender, juicy beef slowly cooked to perfection, enveloped in a rich, garlicky sauce that clings to every twist of pasta. The dreamy creaminess paired with savory Parmesan and a hint of Italian herbs makes this an absolute showstopper for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend feasts. Once you try this, it quickly becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again when you want effortless, hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients, each one playing a vital role. From the savory beef stew meat that forms the hearty backbone, to the garlic and Parmesan that bring layers of flavor and richness, every component is essential and easy to find.
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed: Choose well-marbled meat for tender, juicy results.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and balances the richness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the beef and building flavor right from the start.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth and depth.
- 1 cup beef broth: Creates the savory cooking liquid, deglazing the pan for extra taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty dimension to the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brightens the beef and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick to balance the creaminess if you like a touch of heat.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Pasta with ridges or twists that trap the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and pop of color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear your cubed beef stew meat until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the flavor and adds depth to the final dish. Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker—this is where all the magic happens over the next several hours.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—this awakens the garlic’s sweetness without burning it. Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This liquid gold goes straight into the slow cooker, carrying those rich flavors forward.
Step 3: Season and Slow Cook
Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker and give everything a gentle stir. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the beef to become wonderfully succulent.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the broth into a rich, velvety sauce that wraps around every bite of tender beef. Stir gently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens into a creamy dream.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
While your sauce is finishing in the slow cooker, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, then add it directly into the slow cooker. Toss everything together so the pasta generously soaks up all that luscious sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Give your pasta one last gentle stir, then plate it up and get ready to enjoy a comfort-laden dinner that’s well worth the wait.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. If you want an extra touch, a little more grated Parmesan over the top never fails to impress.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect too, soaking up any extra sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with a sprig of parsley and a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil. If you’re hosting, consider offering extra red pepper flakes or Parmesan at the table so guests can personalize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more after resting, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe freezes well. Separate into portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up and restore that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Chuck roast cut into cubes works wonderfully and also becomes tender with slow cooking. Just avoid very lean cuts as they might dry out during the long cooking time.
Is it necessary to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef is highly recommended as it adds caramelized flavor and depth to the dish, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it; just know the flavor might be slightly less intense.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne and rotini are perfect because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells would also be scrumptious choices.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese alternative to make it dairy-free, but this will change the flavor profile somewhat.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
Just a gentle hint of heat—it’s very subtle and easy to omit if you prefer a milder dish. Adding red pepper flakes adds a nice counterbalance to the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is a real treasure for anyone who loves rich, satisfying meals without the hassle. The delicate balance of creamy sauce, tender beef, and robust garlic flavor will make this your new go-to comfort food. Give it a try and watch it quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation — I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker on low) or 3-4 hours (slow cooker on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef stew meat is seared and then slow-cooked with garlic, beef broth, and Italian seasonings to develop rich flavors. Finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious, creamy sauce, and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is ideal for a satisfying family dinner that requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 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 work well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and black pepper, then sear the cubes in the hot skillet until browned on all sides. Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté garlic and deglaze: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze, lifting all the browned bits. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
- Add seasonings and slow cook: Stir in the 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 becomes tender and flavorful.
- Add cream and cheese: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce has a creamy consistency.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy garlic beef pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use penne or rotini pasta as recommended for better sauce adherence, but any short pasta works.
- If the sauce is too thick after adding pasta, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
