Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy nights and meal prep. Try this comforting and delicious pasta dish today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks until browned (4–5 minutes). Transfer to slow cooker.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook onions until translucent (3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until beef is tender.
- Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in heavy cream (if using). Add pasta and Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Let sit on low for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes.
- Dairy-Free: Omit heavy cream and cheese or use alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Extra Hearty: Add cooked Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
- Category: Pasta, Slow Cooker Meals
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: slow cooker beef pasta, garlic beef pasta, easy pasta recipes, hearty beef pasta, crockpot pasta