Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish with tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and a garlic kick. Easy to make and perfect for meal prep, this family-friendly recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or choice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef on all sides (3-4 minutes per side) and transfer to slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté onion in the same skillet until softened (3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Beef
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until beef is tender.
- Cook the Pasta
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook pasta per package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Combine and Serve
- Stir cooked pasta into the slow cooker sauce.
- If using, add heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until combined.
- Garnish with parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Creamy Variation: Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and extra Parmesan for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Cheesy Baked Version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: slow cooker pasta, garlic beef pasta, beef and pasta recipe, hearty pasta dish, easy slow cooker meal