Description
This Garlic Beef Pasta recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring tender beef stew meat cooked slowly in a savory tomato and garlic broth. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and optional creamy Parmesan and heavy cream, this dish combines slow-cooked depth with perfectly cooked pasta, making it an ideal comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 2 lbs (900g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamy touch)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Cut beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces if not already done to ensure even cooking and tender results.
- Mince garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely and set aside to infuse the sauce with rich garlic flavor.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the prepared beef into the slow cooker, then add minced garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cook the beef: Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cook until the beef is tender and flavors have melded.
- Cook pasta: About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta in boiling salted water until it is al dente. Drain and set aside carefully to prevent sticking.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream (if using) into the slow cooker. Mix gently to blend flavors and add creaminess.
- Final slow cook: Cook the combined mixture on LOW for an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh herbal note and serve the Garlic Beef Pasta hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it for a lighter, tomato-based version.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit entirely if making for children.
- Pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well to hold the sauce, but feel free to use your favorite.
- If desired, add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
