WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal that is easy to prepare. This dish brings together tender beef, creamy sauce, and pasta, making it a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
HOW TO MAKE Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef stew meat (precisely cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 10.5 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper (adjusted to taste)
- 8 ounces of penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional, for garnish)
DIRECTIONS:
Preparation of Ingredients:
Begin by placing the beef stew meat, diced onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. This base will flavor the entire dish as it cooks.
Sauce Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until well blended. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring even coverage.
Cooking Process:
Secure the lid of the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for a duration of 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is sufficiently tender. This slow cooking allows the beef to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
Pasta Preparation:
Approximately 30 minutes prior to serving, cook the pasta according to the instructions on its packaging, aiming for an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combining Pasta and Cheese:
Add the previously cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Introduce the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly distributed. This step adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
Final Cooking Stage:
Allow the dish to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the flavors to fully amalgamate, resulting in a deliciously creamy pasta that pairs perfectly with the tender beef.
Serving:
Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve the dish warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta with family and friends.
HOW TO SERVE Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is best enjoyed hot. Serve it in generous portions on each plate. It pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you want to elevate the meal, consider offering extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add more creaminess.
HOW TO STORE Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, you can add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up before serving.
TIPS TO MAKE Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
- Use Quality Beef: Choose good quality beef stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness. Grass-fed beef tends to be more flavorful.
- Don’t Rush: Allow the slow cooker to do its job. Cooking on low for the full duration ensures tender meat and rich flavors.
- Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Bowties or rigatoni work great for this dish too.
- Add Vegetables: For some extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the slow cooker in the last hour of cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Make sure to taste before serving, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
VARIATIONS
- Different Cream Soups: If cream of mushroom soup is not your favorite, try using cream of chicken or cream of celery instead for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
- Cheese Options: Instead of Parmesan, you can use mozzarella or even cheddar cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I cook Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours, but the meat may not become as tender compared to cooking on low for a longer period.
2. Can I freeze leftover Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in airtight containers. However, the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
3. What can I serve with Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
By following these steps and tips, you can create a deliciously creamy and satisfying beef pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a cozy gathering with friends. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Place the beef stew meat, diced onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Whisk until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Secure the lid of the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until the beef is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Allow to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm.