Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta combines tender, slow-cooked beef stew meat with a rich garlic-infused creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The beef is first seasoned and browned for extra flavor, then slow cooked with broth, cream, and fresh garlic to create a hearty and comforting dish. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe makes a delicious, effortless meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Seasonings

2 pounds beef stew meat
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Slow Cooker Sauce

1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Garnish

1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare and Season Beef: Place the beef stew meat in a large bowl and season it thoroughly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to ensure the meat is well-flavored before cooking.
Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned meat in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side, creating a rich crust that enhances the final taste.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the browned beef to the slow cooker, forming the base of your creamy beef pasta.
Add Liquids and Garlic: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream with the minced garlic, mixing gently to combine all flavors well for slow cooking.
Slow Cook the Beef: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
Cook the Pasta: While the beef is slow cooking, prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Shred the Beef: Once the beef is tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker along with the grated Parmesan cheese to evenly distribute the creamy sauce and cheesy flavor.
Final Cook: Let the combined pasta and beef mixture cook in the slow cooker for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure everything is heated through.
Serve: Garnish the creamy garlic beef pasta with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then serve immediately and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before slow cooking.
Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before mixing it with the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy during the final cooking step.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
This recipe freezes well—freeze in portions without the pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.