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
Scale
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.
