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Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm, hearty dinner that practically cooked itself. This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is just that—a true comfort food classic with fork-tender beef, a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly coated pasta in every bite.

It’s the kind of “set it and forget it” recipe that saves you time while delivering maximum flavor. As the beef simmers low and slow, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while garlic, onion, and herbs infuse the sauce with cozy, savory notes. The result? A creamy, indulgent pasta dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Effortless prep – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
✔️ Ultimate comfort food – Rich, garlicky cream sauce with tender beef and pasta.
✔️ Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.
✔️ Customizable – Swap the protein, add veggies, or make it spicier to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

  • Beef Stew Meat – A tougher cut like chuck or round that transforms into tender bites after slow cooking.
  • Onion & Garlic – The aromatic base that infuses every spoonful with depth and flavor.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds creaminess and a subtle savory note. (Homemade or cream of chicken works too!)
  • Beef Broth & Heavy Cream – The duo that creates the silky, rich sauce.
  • Herbs (Basil & Oregano) – Earthy notes that balance the richness.
  • Pasta – Penne, rotini, or shells that hold onto every drop of sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Nutty, salty, and perfect for thickening the sauce.
  • Fresh Parsley (Optional) – A sprinkle of freshness for color and balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Beef – Add beef stew meat, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker.
  2. Make the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over the beef and stir to coat.
  3. Cook Low & Slow – Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the beef is tender.
  4. Cook Pasta – About 30 minutes before serving, boil pasta until al dente. Drain.
  5. Combine & Finish – Stir pasta and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Let cook another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
  6. Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with parsley, grab a fork, and dig in!

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Pre-Sear the Beef (Optional): Browning the beef first adds a richer flavor.
  • Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or reduce the cheese.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace beef with mushrooms or plant-based protein and use veggie broth.
  • Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir in chili flakes or diced jalapeño for gentle heat.
  • Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, Asiago, or Gruyère for a unique flavor spin.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Simmer on the stovetop for 2–3 hours or bake covered in a Dutch oven at 325°F for the same amount of time.

What pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce beautifully. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of soup?
Definitely! Make a quick homemade mushroom cream sauce with butter, flour, broth, and cream.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—prepare up to the cooking step, refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.

Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: 6.5–8.5 hours
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat, cut bite-sized
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
  2. In a bowl, whisk soup, broth, cream, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over beef.
  3. Cook on low 6–8 hours (or high 4–5) until beef is tender.
  4. Cook pasta separately until al dente.
  5. Stir pasta and Parmesan into the slow cooker. Cook another 10–15 minutes.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.