Slow Cooker Beef Pasta: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner

Slow cooker beef pasta, a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening. This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about capturing the rich, savory flavors of a classic beef ragu without spending hours hovering over the stove. My own grandmother, the queen of resourcefulness, would have loved this effortless approach to a hearty family meal. It’s funny how the simplest dishes often have the most comforting stories attached to them. This slow cooker beef pasta is primed and ready to become one of your new favorites.

Why You Will Love This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this slow cooker beef pasta recipe, but let’s start with the comfort factor. It’s the kind of food that just makes you feel good from the inside out. More than this, it’s incredibly easy to put together. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to focus on other things.

The flavor is the biggest selling point here. The beef becomes unbelievably tender while it simmers in a rich tomato based sauce. Adding the pasta right at the end ensures it’s perfectly cooked and absorbs all those delicious flavors. It’s a complete meal in one pot!

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

1. 1. Sear the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This will help to lock in the flavor.
2. 2. Add ingredients to slow cooker: Transfer the seared beef to the slow cooker. Then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. They will meld their savory juices together with the slowly cooked beef.
3. 3. Pour in the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
4. 4. Season: Now add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything ensuring the meat is relatively submerged.
5. 5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 8 hours, or on high for 3 4 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
6. 6. Add the pasta: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
7. 7. Continue cooking: Cook until the pasta is tender, about 20 30 minutes.
8. 8. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

How to Serve This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

This slow cooker beef pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily pair it with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing will cut through the richness of the pasta.

For a heartier meal, serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce in the bowl. If desired, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. A nice glass of red wine can also pair well!

How to Store This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

Refrigerate: Store leftover slow cooker beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer safe container for up to 2 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Reheat the slow cooker beef pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.

Tips to Make This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

• For a richer flavor, try using bone in beef chuck roast instead of cubed beef. This will add more collagen and flavor to the sauce. Make sure to shred the meat before serving by pulling apart with forks.
• If you want to add vegetables, consider adding diced carrots, celery, and zucchini to the slow cooker along with the onions and garlic.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a splash of beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to allow it to thicken.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be cooked al dente, as it will continue to soften as it sits in the sauce.

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

Be very careful not to overcook the pasta. Be sure to check on it frequently during the last 20 30 minutes of cooking time. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.

Also, sear your meat! This step adds amazing color and layers of flavor to your meat and your pasta overall!

Variation of This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

• Spicy slow cooker beef pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker for a spicy kick.
• Creamy slow cooker beef pasta: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking time for a creamy version.
• Mediterranean slow cooker beef pasta: Add some Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration! You can also try out my other delicious beef forward dishes with Slow Cooker Beef Bowl 2 and Slow Cooker Beef Bowl. For something very unique, consider a Slow Cooker Salmon Pasta sometime for dinner!.

FAQs About This slow cooker beef pasta Recipe

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of beef chuck? A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef for beef chuck. Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q: Can I add wine to this recipe? A: Absolutely! Add 1/2 cup of dry red wine to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes and broth for an extra layer of flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Of course! Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, rotini, and elbow macaroni are all great choices.

Conclusion

So there you have it: a simple, comforting, and incredibly flavorful slow cooker beef pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Gather your ingredients, throw them in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Your new favorite slow cooker beef pasta is sure to impress! Now, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and try out this delicious recipe. I always love hearing about your experiences, so don’t be shy to leave a comment or share your cooking journey with gotastyrecipes.com!

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