If you adore hearty, comforting meals that practically cook themselves, you are going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious, rich pasta dish infused with tender ground beef, ripe tomatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce that all meld beautifully in your slow cooker. Imagine coming home to a warm, fragrant meal that’s bursting with Italian-inspired flavors and creamy goodness—this recipe delivers that magic with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe plays a vital role, from creating vibrant flavors to adding the perfect texture and color. The list is straightforward, but each component brings something special to the party, guaranteeing a delicious, well-balanced dish.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful as it simmers.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a subtly sweet, aromatic foundation that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with classic Italian warmth and depth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juiciness and a bright acidity to balance the creamy elements.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for a rich, robust sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth: Enhances the beefy taste and helps tenderize the pasta as it cooks.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties the dish’s flavor profile together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness beyond the fresh cloves.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar): Perfectly shaped to catch the creamy sauce and provide satisfying bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce dreamy, silky, and indulgently smooth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish boosting the overall richness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Offers a fresh burst of color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef alongside the diced onion and minced garlic. Breaking up the beef as it cooks ensures even browning and flavor development. Once nicely browned and fragrant, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. This step is key for building the hearty base of your pasta.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to marry all these vibrant flavors. This slow cooking process is where the magic happens as these ingredients meld into a rich, savory sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This gentle simmering allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to deepen, creating a perfect base for your creamy pasta.
Step 4: Add and Cook the Pasta
After your sauce has simmered beautifully, stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and continue to cook on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and infused with all those savory flavors. This step means you don’t have to boil pasta separately, making cleanup easier.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked through, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until all the cheese melts and the sauce turns luxuriously creamy and smooth. This is the moment the dish becomes truly indulgent, with a comforting texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This step is important to balance the flavors perfectly. Your creamy slow cooker beef pasta is now ready to be served piping hot, with all the delicious, melty goodness you could wish for.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a wonderful optional garnish that adds a pop of green color and a mildly herby freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness. You could even sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant finishing touch that highlights the dish’s cheesiness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or garlic bread to round out the meal. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables can add fresh, vibrant texture that balances the creamy, hearty pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy slow cooker beef pasta in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of mozzarella and broiled for a minute to create a golden, bubbly crust. Alternatively, pile it into a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic and impressive presentation that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy slow cooker beef pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it an easy and delicious meal to enjoy later.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure it is completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps restore its creamy consistency and keeps the pasta tender.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini work wonderfully in this dish because they hold the sauce well, feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the variety and size.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based substitute or hearty veggies like mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes, although it won’t have quite the same slow-simmered depth. You can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics on the stovetop, then combine everything in a large pot and simmer gently. Add the pasta later and cook until tender, stirring in cream and cheese last.
How can I adjust the recipe to be less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or even milk. Just note that the sauce will be less rich, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
What type of slow cooker settings should I use?
This recipe works well on both low and high settings. If you have more time, cook on low for 4 hours for deeply developed flavors. If you’re short on time, the high setting for 2 hours gets the job done nicely, just keep an eye on the pasta cooking time afterward.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe enough if you love meals that combine ease and incredible flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, with every bite delivering creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients and a slow cooker can come together to create such a fantastic meal that your whole family will enjoy again and again.
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy slow cooker beef pasta is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then combined with tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and aromatic spices in a slow cooker. After hours of simmering, uncooked pasta is added directly to the slow cooker, allowing it to cook tenderly in the flavorful sauce. Finished with heavy cream and melty cheeses, this dish delivers a rich, creamy texture and savory taste with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups beef broth
- 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 mixture: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat before transferring to the slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker with the cooked beef mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook the beef sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
- Add uncooked pasta and cook: After the initial cooking, stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover again and cook on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally if possible.
- Stir in cream and cheeses: Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
- Season to taste: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired, ensuring a balanced flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy beef pasta into bowls or onto plates, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if using. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni that cooks well in liquid.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during the second cooking phase if your slow cooker allows, to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- For added veggies, consider mixing in spinach or mushrooms with the beef before slow cooking.
