If you’ve been searching for the ultimate cozy dinner to make your weeknight extra special, this Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that perfect blend of tender ground beef, rich tomato flavors, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, all slow-cooked to meld into one unforgettable dish. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this recipe offers comfort and convenience in every bite. You’re about to discover your new favorite go-to for hearty meals that feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for crafting the layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheeses, each element plays a special role in building a hearty and indulgent pasta dinner.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that’s packed with flavor when browned properly.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an aromatic kick that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Creates a bright and slightly tangy tomato foundation.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds savory richness and helps cook the pasta to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuse the dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for an extra savory punch.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar): Holds sauce perfectly with every bite thanks to its shape and texture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the dish its luscious, creamy consistency.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness that wraps the pasta.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish that complements the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the final plate.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic. Don’t rush this step—breaking up the beef as it cooks ensures every bite is tender and flavorful. Once browned, drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy while maintaining that rich beefy essence.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your browned beef mixture to the slow cooker and add diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well. This blend of ingredients will simmer slowly, allowing the spices and tomatoes to infuse the beef with incredible depth, setting the stage for the pasta to soak up all those savory juices.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Base
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process breaks down the beef and melds flavors wonderfully. You’ll notice the aroma filling your kitchen, making it almost impossible to wait until the meal is ready.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once the base has cooked, it’s time to add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for another 30 to 45 minutes on low, until the pasta is tender and perfectly infused with that rich, saucy goodness. It’s like the pasta just soaks up all the magical flavors.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
When the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheeses melt into a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every bite. This is where the dish truly transforms into the indulgent, comforting masterpiece you’ve been waiting for.
Step 6: Final Seasoning
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This finishing touch ensures every bite is perfectly balanced, letting the flavors shine and come together in harmony.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out the creamy beef pasta hot, making sure to scoop up plenty of that luscious sauce. This warm, aromatic, flavorful dish is now ready to be shared and enjoyed!
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only brings a pop of beautiful green color but also adds a subtle fresh note that complements the rich creaminess of the pasta. A little extra grated Parmesan over the serving works wonders too, for those who love a cheesier bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make a hearty, colorful addition to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the pasta in individual oven-safe bowls topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs before broiling for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s an impressive way to present this comforting classic with a touch of flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This creamy slow cooker beef pasta freezes quite well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the pasta’s texture and the sauce’s creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through helps achieve an even temperature.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, ziti, or even rigatoni all work wonderfully because their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. Just keep in mind larger pasta might need slightly longer cooking times in the slow cooker.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular pasta. Make sure the beef broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with sensitivities.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream might work, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Adding the pasta later in the cooking process and monitoring the cooking time closely is key. Stir sometimes to check tenderness and avoid overcooking. Using pasta shapes that hold up well during slow cooking also helps.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works great, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate everything without overfilling. You may need to extend cooking times slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a household favorite—comforting, convenient, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping ahead for busy nights, this recipe delivers flavor and ease in one satisfying bowl. Give it a try and savor the slow-cooked magic that only a great beef pasta can offer!
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Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then slow-cooked with a blend of tomatoes, spices, and beef broth to develop rich flavors. Uncooked pasta is added midway for a one-pot meal, finished with heavy cream and melted cheeses for a luscious, creamy sauce. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe yields a satisfying, cheesy beef pasta that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Dairy
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef mixture into the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Cook on Low or High: Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Pasta: After the initial cooking time, stir in the uncooked pasta evenly into the slow cooker mixture. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Make it Creamy: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use uncooked pasta directly in the slow cooker to save time and simplify cleanup.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cook the pasta on low heat in the slow cooker to avoid overcooking or mushy noodles.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice fresh flavor and vibrant garnish.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated gently; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
