Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta! Whenever the weather turns chilly, or I’m just in need of some soul-soothing sustenance, this dish becomes my go-to. There’s just something about the aroma of tender beef, savory garlic, and creamy sauce bubbling away in the slow cooker that makes my heart do a little happy dance.
Every time I make this hearty meal, I’m reminded of weekends spent with family, where the kitchen is filled with laughter, and the slow cooker is working its magic. I can almost hear my mom’s voice in the background, sharing her culinary wisdom. It’s simple enough to whip up, but the end result feels like you’ve just served a five-star meal to your family. Ready to dive into making this dish? Let’s get started!
What’s in Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta?
Beef Chuck Roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking due to its rich marbling. It becomes fall-apart tender and very flavorful after hours of simmering in the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings elevate the taste of the beef. A little sprinkle goes a long way!
Olive Oil: This is what you’ll use to sear the beef to golden perfection before it goes into the slow cooker.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of flavor that we all crave in a delicious pasta dish. It’s the little ingredient that makes a BIG difference!
Onion: Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Letting them sauté until soft really allows their flavors to develop.
Beef Broth: This helps create a rich base for your beef. Homemade is nice if you have it, but I often go for a good quality store-bought option.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash of this adds a delightful umami flavor—trust me, it’s a secret weapon!
Dried Thyme: This herb complements the beef beautifully and gives a warm, earthy taste to the sauce.
Paprika: Adds not just a hint of warmth but also a lovely color to the dish.
Sour Cream: This creamy ingredient is what makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and rich.
Large Pasta (like rotini or fusilli): These shapes hold on to the creamy sauce wonderfully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkling of fresh parsley not only makes for a gorgeous presentation but also adds a burst of color and freshness.
Is Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Good for You?
When it comes to comfort food, this dish strikes a decent balance between indulgent and nourishing.
Beef Chuck Roast: While it’s rich in protein and iron, it can also be higher in fat. If that’s a concern, consider opting for a leaner cut like sirloin.
Sour Cream: Provides creaminess but is higher in calories and saturated fat. You can lighten it up by substituting with Greek yogurt if you prefer.
The combination of beef, pasta, and savory ingredients can certainly fuel your body, but moderation is key. Pairing it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies can help round out the meal and add some extra nutrients!
Ingredients
– 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1 cup sour cream
– 8 ounces large pasta (like rotini or fusilli)
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 6-8 people, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta?
1. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the beef in batches. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
2. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is soft—about 2-3 minutes. Add this mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to combine!
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and flavorful.
5. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Once the beef is tender, stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If you find the sauce getting too thick, feel free to add a touch more beef broth!
7. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for that lovely color and flavor boost.
Tips for a Tasty Twist!
– For a touch of indulgence, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Yum!
– If you want to add some extra veggies, throw in a cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
– This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some warm garlic bread—just saying!
I hope you’re as excited to try this recipe as I am to share it! Trust me, once you whip up this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta, it will become a cherished tradition in your home. If you try it, please let me know how it turned out and any personal twists you added! Happy cooking!
