There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines rich, tender beef with creamy, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, all made effortlessly in one pot. This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—a luscious, satisfying dinner that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas while you go about your day. It’s the kind of recipe I love to recommend when you want a hearty meal that feels special but doesn’t demand hours of hands-on work. Slow cooking transforms the beef into buttery-soft bites, and the creamy garlic sauce wraps the pasta in a velvety embrace that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a starring role in building the final flavor, texture, and color. From the juicy beef to the sharp Parmesan and fresh parsley, every item brings something wonderful to the table.
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed: This cut becomes wonderfully tender after slow cooking, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and seasons the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the beef and creating a rich base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes that make every bite crave-worthy.
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds richness and moisture to cook the beef and build the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce indulgently creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce a nutty, salty finish that’s irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and a touch of earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick for those who love a little heat.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh burst of color and brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Beef
First things first, heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your cubed beef stew meat and sear it until every side is deliciously browned. This step locks in the flavors and creates a lovely crust that will add depth to your pasta. After searing, transfer the beef right into your slow cooker—it’s the magic vessel where everything comes together.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze the Pan
In that same skillet, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t rush this part because garlic is one of the heart-and-soul ingredients in this recipe! Then pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen all those tasty browned bits. This deglazing step captures so much flavor and ensures nothing goes to waste—then pour everything into your slow cooker over the beef.
Step 3: Season and Slow Cook
Next, stir in the Italian seasoning and, if you like a little heat, the red pepper flakes. These seasonings infuse the beef as it slow cooks, creating a rich, layered flavor profile. Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. By the end, the beef will be perfectly tender, practically melting off the bone and ready to meet the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese directly into the slow cooker. The cheese will melt beautifully, thickening the sauce and giving it that signature creamy texture. This is what transforms the dish from hearty stew to a luscious, pasta-perfect sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine
While your sauce finishes off, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well, then add the pasta straight into your slow cooker, tossing to coat every bite with the garlicky, cheesy sauce. This is the moment where everything comes together—a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Lastly, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Serve the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe hot and watch it disappear fast at the table!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, which adds a lovely green contrast and subtle herbal notes that balance the richness of the sauce. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to amp up the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This creamy beef pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add freshness and texture to round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch. You can also portion the pasta into creamy cheese shells or small ramekins and bake briefly with extra cheese on top for a delightful baked presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to keep the sauce creamy without separation.
Freezing
This dish freezes quite well, though pasta can be tricky if overcooked later. Freeze the beef and sauce separately from the pasta for best results. When you’re ready, thaw fully and then reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding freshly cooked pasta to revive that perfect texture.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta and sauce slowly over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream while reheating helps restore the sauce’s luscious creaminess and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat in this recipe?
While ground beef would cook faster, it won’t provide the same tender, melt-in-your-mouth chunks you get with stew meat. If you use ground beef, adjust cooking times and expect a different texture, but it can still be tasty in a pinch!
What type of pasta works best in this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid very thin or fragile pastas since they can get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Absolutely! You can slow cook the beef and sauce part a day ahead and cook your pasta fresh before serving. Just keep everything stored properly and warm up gently when ready to eat.
Is there a way to make this recipe less heavy or lower in calories?
Sure! You can substitute half-and-half or a lighter cream for the heavy cream, and use leaner cuts of beef or reduce the amount of cheese to lighten the dish while still keeping great flavor.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem. You can brown the beef and simmer everything gently on the stove for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender, then add the cream, cheese, and pasta as instructed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a big warm hug, the Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe is your new go-to. It manages to be both simple and impressively delicious, making dinner something to look forward to every time. I can’t wait for you to try it—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender beef stew meat simmers slowly with garlic, beef broth, and Italian seasonings, then combines with creamy Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for an easy, flavorful dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- 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 and sear the cubed beef stew meat until browned on all sides. This step develops rich flavor. 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 to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, then transfer this mixture into the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add Seasonings and Slow Cook: Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
- Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker and stir gently to coat it evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy garlic beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can use fresh Italian herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Make sure to not overcook the pasta to avoid it becoming mushy when combined in the slow cooker.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead; just store it in the refrigerator and warm gently before serving.
- Leftovers can be kept sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days.
