If you’re looking for a comforting and easy slow cooker pasta recipe, this Garlic Beef Pasta is a must-try! Tender, slow-cooked beef is infused with rich garlic flavors and simmered in a savory sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This crockpot pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving beef pasta recipes, a flavorful pasta skillet dish, or a new way to enjoy slow-cooked beef, this meal is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Just set it and forget it!
- Rich & Flavorful – The beef becomes ultra-tender, soaking up all the garlic and seasonings.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Customizable – Use your favorite pasta shape and adjust the spice level to your liking.
Ingredients for Garlic Beef Pasta
For the Slow Cooked Beef:
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended!)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef chunks with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step enhances the flavor!
Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
- Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the garlic, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix well.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips for the Best Garlic Beef Pasta
- Sear the Beef First – While optional, this step enhances the depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy in the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice – Add more red pepper flakes or black pepper for extra heat.
- Use a Different Cheese – Try mozzarella or Asiago for a unique twist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Pasta Too Early – Always cook pasta separately and mix it in at the end to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Skipping the Parmesan Cheese – It thickens the sauce and adds a rich, savory taste.
- Using Low-Quality Beef – Chuck roast works best for slow cooking because it becomes tender and flavorful.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
What to Serve with Garlic Beef Pasta
This slow cooker pasta pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – The perfect side for soaking up extra sauce.
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Presentation Ideas for a Beautiful Pasta Dish
- Serve in a rustic pasta bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for a gourmet touch.
- Pair with a warm crusty baguette for an authentic Italian-style meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground beef instead of beef chunks?
Yes! If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet first, then add it directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. Reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours on LOW.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan.
3. What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best as they hold the sauce well.
4. Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer the beef, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and broth for about 1.5-2 hours until tender, then follow the remaining steps.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Garlic Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef, garlicky sauce, and creamy pasta in one dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy crockpot pasta meal, a hearty beef pasta recipe, or a new favorite for slow-cooked beef, this recipe has you covered!
Try it today and don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends! If you loved it, subscribe to our blog for more slow cooker pasta recipes and easy meal ideas.
Delicious Garlic Beef Pasta : Slow Cooker Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting and easy slow cooker pasta recipe, this Garlic Beef Pasta is a must-try!
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- For the Slow Cooked Beef:
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into chunks)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (14 oz diced tomatoes)
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Step 1: Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended!)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef chunks with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step enhances the flavor!
- Step 2: Slow Cook the Beef
- Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the garlic, chopped onion, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Step 4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Remove the cooked beef from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Return the shredded beef to the slow cooker and mix well.
- Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Sear the Beef First – While optional, this step enhances the depth of flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy in the sauce.
Adjust the Spice – Add more red pepper flakes or black pepper for extra heat.