If you’re searching for a meal that’s comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is here to make dinnertime a breeze. Tender, juicy beef simmered for hours in a rich, garlicky sauce, then tossed with pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan—what’s not to love? This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you need a hearty meal without standing over the stove.
This recipe combines the magic of a slow cooker with the irresistible flavors of creamy garlic sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that delivers big on flavor but is surprisingly simple to make. You’ll love how the slow cooker tenderizes the beef and allows the garlic-infused sauce to develop deep, rich flavors.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish has got you covered. Let’s get that slow cooker ready and make some Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta magic!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy slow cooker pasta:
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra garlic flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work best)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Instructions
Here’s how to make this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta step by step:
1: Sear the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef stew meat in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and sear until browned on all sides. This step adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2: Prepare the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
3: Build the Sauce
- Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine everything well.
4: Slow Cook the Beef
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Allow the cream cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy base.
5: Cook the Pasta
- While the beef finishes cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Once the beef is tender and the cream cheese has melted into the sauce, stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7: Serve
- Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!
Tips
- Sear the Beef: While you can skip browning the beef, this step enhances the flavor by adding a caramelized, savory depth to the dish.
- Use the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best because it holds the creamy sauce well.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water, beef broth, or milk to loosen it up.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra garlicky kick, stir in a teaspoon of roasted garlic paste when you add the cream cheese.
- Make It Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar to the slow cooker during the last 10 minutes for a melty, cheesy finish.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- This dish can be frozen, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently with added cream or broth.
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes for a nutritional boost.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chili paste for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Overload: Mix in a cup of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an ultra-cheesy dish.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary to complement the garlic and beef flavors.
- Ground Beef Option: If stew meat isn’t available, swap it for browned ground beef. Cook it on the stovetop, drain the fat, and proceed with the recipe.
Nutrition Details
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients or substitutions.)
FAQ
1. Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute. Brown the ground beef on the stovetop, drain excess fat, and add it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients.
2. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the beef broth and cream cheese are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Chuck roast, sirloin tips, or even thinly sliced steak will work well in this recipe.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the dish as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little added broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture.
5. What vegetables can I add to this pasta?
Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or bell peppers are all excellent additions. Add them during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking for best results.
With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is comfort food at its best. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding the whole family. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite! 🍝✨