Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef stew meat simmered in a creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers rich, hearty flavors, this recipe combines slow-cooked beef with tender pasta for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Dairy

1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Spices

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Garnish

12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works well)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the cubed beef stew meat until browned on all sides. This step helps develop flavor and lock in juices. Then transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.
Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add beef broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to deglaze and capture any browned bits, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.
Add Seasonings and Cook: Stir Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the slow cooker and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Use penne or rotini pasta for better sauce retention; other short pasta shapes work well too.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy dairy alternative.
Be sure to season the beef well before searing for best flavor.
The slow cooker timing can be adjusted, but a longer, low heat cook will yield more tender beef.