Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

Let me just tell you—this Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Think tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all simmered together in your slow cooker. The best part? You don’t have to worry about a thing. Just throw everything into the pot, set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. The result? A rich, flavorful dish that will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds. Trust me, this one is a keeper!

Whether you’re feeding the family after a busy day or looking for a dish to impress friends, this creamy pasta hits the spot every single time. It’s cozy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, it’s super customizable! You can add your favorite veggies or swap out the beef for chicken if that’s what you’re in the mood for. Seriously, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating something magical with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser:

No Fuss Cooking

You won’t have to stand over the stove or constantly stir things. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and you’re left with a creamy, perfectly cooked dish that tastes like you’ve been working in the kitchen all day.

Creamy Goodness

The creamy sauce coats the beef and pasta just perfectly. It’s rich and decadent, but still feels comforting and satisfying without being too heavy.

Versatile

You can add in veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to make it even more filling. You could even swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This is one of those dishes that’s even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers. It’s great for meal prepping, and it reheats beautifully.

Family-Friendly

The kids will love it, and so will the adults. It’s a guaranteed hit, and it’s so comforting that it might just become a weekly staple.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this creamy, comforting dish:

• Ground Beef: The base of your dish. It gets wonderfully tender as it simmers and combines with the creamy sauce. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret ingredient that creates that creamy, luscious sauce. It gives the dish a rich texture and flavor without much effort.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce that’ll coat the pasta and beef.
• Onion: Adds a savory base to the dish and deepens the overall flavor.
• Garlic: You can never go wrong with garlic—it gives this dish a fantastic aroma and taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds that Italian flair to the dish, making it taste like you’ve been simmering it all day.
• Pasta: I recommend using short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. The pasta absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: This is what makes the sauce extra creamy and velvety. It’s a total game-changer!
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a touch of salty goodness and a little extra richness to the sauce.
• Milk: To help thin out the sauce and make it silky smooth.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

This recipe is so easy, even beginners can do it! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready without any stress.

Brown the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat, and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Add the Vegetables

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add these to the slow cooker with the beef.

Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the beef and onions in the slow cooker.

Cook in the Slow Cooker

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The sauce should be bubbly, and the beef should be tender and cooked through.

Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for the remaining time, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed all that creamy goodness.

Finish the Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. You’ll have the most luscious, velvety sauce!

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy! This creamy, comforting dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 520
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 870mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 28g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 12%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low / 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4-5 hours

How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta

While this creamy beef pasta is delicious all on its own, here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers would add some color and nutrition to the meal.
• Cheese: Top each serving with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of mozzarella for that cheesy, gooey finish.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
• Swap the Beef: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
• Pasta Tip: If you prefer al dente pasta, you can cook the pasta separately and add it at the end. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft while cooking in the sauce.
• Store Leftovers: Leftovers taste just as good the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen ground beef?

A1: Yes, you can use frozen ground beef! Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of pasta?

A2: Absolutely! You can swap in any short pasta, like rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure it cooks in the slow cooker until tender.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, just throw it in the slow cooker the next day and cook as usual.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

A5: Yes, this dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q6: Can I make this dish without cream cheese?

A6: You can! The cream cheese gives the dish a rich, creamy texture, but if you want to skip it, you can add extra milk or heavy cream for a similar result.

Q7: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

A7: Yes! Fresh garlic is a great substitute and will give the dish even more flavor. Just sauté it with the onion before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q8: How can I make this dish lighter?

A8: To lighten it up, use ground turkey instead of beef, low-fat cream cheese, and substitute the cream of mushroom soup for a light version.

Q9: Can I double this recipe?

A9: Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the extra ingredients, and adjust the cooking time if necessary.

Q10: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A10: Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are all great options to add. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they stay tender but don’t overcook.

Conclusion

This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is an easy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s creamy, comforting, and made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe will have you covered. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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