Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta is a rich and comforting dish with tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that is easy to prepare and cooks in the slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week. Your family will love this hearty, creamy pasta dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks, then drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- After cooking, add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes on low or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this recipe.
- If the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, add a bit more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5-5 hours (depending on setting)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg