This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta features tender beef stew meat slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, herbed cream sauce. Combined with al dente pasta and savory Parmesan cheese, it’s the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Perfect for cozy dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker handles most of the work, making this a perfect hands-off recipe for busy days.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
Tender Beef: Slow cooking ensures the beef is melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with flavor.
Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, adjust the seasonings, or add extra veggies for a personalized twist.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will adore the creamy, savory flavors in this dish.
Key Ingredients
Beef Stew Meat: Cut into bite-sized pieces, the stew meat becomes tender and flavorful after hours of slow cooking. You can substitute chuck roast or ground beef for a different texture.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This pantry staple adds a creamy, earthy base to the sauce. You can use cream of chicken or cream of onion soup as alternatives.
Heavy Cream: A rich addition that elevates the sauce’s creaminess. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
Pasta: Penne, rotini, or any sturdy pasta works perfectly to hold the creamy sauce. Feel free to use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce and helps thicken it slightly.
Herbs and Spices: Dried basil, oregano, garlic, and onion bring warmth and depth to the dish, while salt and pepper balance the flavors.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Ingredients
1 pound beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion diced
4 cloves garlic minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces pasta penne or your favorite shape
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef and Pasta
1. Prepare the Beef Mixture
Combine Ingredients:
Place 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat, 1 diced onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves into the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce
Combine Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
2 cups of beef broth
1/2 cup of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Pour Over Beef:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the Beef
Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is tender and flavorful.
4. Prepare the Pasta
Cook Pasta:
About 30 minutes before serving, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook 12 oz of pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type) according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and Set Aside:
Drain the pasta and set it aside while finishing the dish.
5. Combine and Finish
Add Pasta:
Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker with the beef and sauce.
Incorporate Cheese:
Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Cook Further:
Let the mixture cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve
Garnish:
Optional: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve Hot:
Dish out the creamy, savory beef and pasta mixture and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to scoop up the creamy sauce.
Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent sides.
Wine Pairing: Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the beefy flavors.
Storage/Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Freezing: Freeze the beef and sauce (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the beef and sauce in the slow cooker ahead of time, then cook and add the pasta just before serving for the freshest texture.
Variations
Vegetable Boost: Stir in cooked peas, spinach, or mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Cheese Swap: Use shredded mozzarella or Gruyere for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
Herbal Twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker for an aromatic upgrade.
Conclusion
This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious. With its tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe has you covered.
So grab your slow cooker, let the flavors meld, and prepare to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal. Don’t forget the Parmesan and fresh parsley for that final touch—perfection in every bite!
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
- 8 oz pasta penne or your favorite shape
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- optional fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Place beef stew meat, diced onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Pour the sauce over the beef mixture in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the beef is tender and infused with flavor.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir cooked pasta into the slow cooker. Add grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Let cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors!
