If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort food that’s effortless to prepare, look no further than Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta. This cozy, one-pot meal is a hands-off hero, featuring tender ground beef mingled with penne pasta and a lush, velvety sauce that clings to every piece. Imagine a busy weeknight made easy: simply toss your ingredients together and let your slow cooker transform them into a crave-worthy pasta dish that brings everyone to the table. A true family favorite, it’s hearty, richly flavored, and irresistibly creamy — the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta so inviting is the list of accessible staples that combine to create something truly remarkable. Each ingredient plays a special role, from building savory depth to ensuring a dreamy, creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Ground Beef: Delivers hearty, meaty satisfaction and great flavor throughout the dish.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and complexity that mellows beautifully as it cooks.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the pasta with aromatic depth and a slight kick.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings together fragrant herbs for classic Italian-inspired flavor.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and perfectly seasoning the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the savory notes.
- Marinara Sauce: Forms the rich, tomatoey base that binds all the ingredients.
- Beef Broth: Lends extra moisture and amps up the beefy flavor profile.
- Heavy Cream: The star for creaminess, making the sauce rich and silky.
- Uncooked Penne Pasta: Cooks directly in the sauce and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving luscious stringy texture and cheesy depth.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity to finish the dish.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and gently sautés the aromatics for a flavor base.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks until nicely browned. Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then let them sauté together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and everything smells incredibly savory. This first step is your ticket to a rich base that makes the Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta extra special.
Step 2: Fill the Slow Cooker
Transfers are easy here! Scoop your beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the flavors are well mingled and ready to gently cook into magic.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low. Let the mixture simmer for about 4 hours. The slow and gentle heat will meld the sauce flavors, and the beef will become perfectly tender, soaking up the seasoned broth and herbs.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cook the Pasta
Once your timer hits 4 hours, it’s time to dial up the creaminess! Stir in the heavy cream and uncooked penne pasta. Switch your slow cooker to high, cover, and continue cooking for 30 to 40 minutes. The pasta will cook right in the luxurious sauce, making everything irresistibly creamy and cohesive.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
When the pasta is tender, it’s time for the finishing touch. Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan directly into the slow cooker. Stir until everything is melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and positively dreamy. Serve your Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta warm, and get ready for genuine oohs and ahhs.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta
Garnishes
The right garnish brings this dish from comforting to company-worthy. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, some fresh chopped parsley or basil, or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes adds color, flavor, and a little extra flair to your bowl of Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a centerpiece, but it also loves a supporting cast! Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or oven-warmed garlic bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies add color and round out your dinner plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try spooning Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta into individual ramekins, topping each with mozzarella and broiling for a bubbly, golden finish. Or, serve it family-style in a big, rustic bowl with a flourish of herbs for a cozy, communal touch—true crowd-pleaser style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extras keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens a bit as it sits, so just give it a good stir when reheating to bring back that luscious creaminess. It’s ideal for meal-prepping busy work lunches or low-fuss family dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta, let it cool completely first. Spoon into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags and freeze for up to two months. For best texture, freeze before adding the final cheeses—or plan to add an extra sprinkle of fresh cheese when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat or pop individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive any lost creaminess, and stir occasionally until heated through. Top with a smidge more Parmesan to freshen it up before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, other short pastas like rotini, rigatoni, or ziti are great options and cook just as well in the savory, creamy sauce. Just keep an eye on tenderness if switching shapes!
Is there a way to make Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta lighter?
For a lighter twist, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and use half-and-half or light cream in place of the heavy cream. It stays creamy and rich, but with a little less decadence.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Certainly! A handful of baby spinach at the end adds color and nutrients, or toss in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggie power and flavor complexity.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can easily adapt this for the stovetop by simmering the sauce on low for an hour, then adding cream and pasta and cooking until the noodles are al dente—finish with cheese as instructed.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
The key is adding the uncooked pasta only once the sauce is hot and ready during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking. If you like your pasta very al dente, start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta a spot in your meal rotation! It’s the kind of soul-warming dinner that delivers serious flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for family nights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you crave a generous plate of comfort. Dive in and enjoy every last creamy bite—you’ll be coming back for seconds!
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy slow-cooked beef pasta that’s perfect for a family dinner. This dish combines tender ground beef, flavorful marinara sauce, and a rich blend of cheeses for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef in olive oil until browned. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Add Pasta and Cream: Stir in heavy cream and uncooked penne pasta. Cook on high for 30–40 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Serve warm with extra cheese or herbs.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Try with other short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni.
- Add red pepper flakes for spice or spinach for extra greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
